Stoke boss Tony Pulis has said that he is looking forward to the extra fixtures that come with competing for the cups.

Pulis's side beat Derby 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, adding another game to their already packed fixture list.

However, Pulis has insisted that he would not have it any other way and is taking every competition seriously.

"We have played 14 cup ties so far this season and we are guaranteed now another three - the fifth round and we have got two games against Valencia," said Pulis.

"That will take us to 17 cup ties, for a side that is still learning all about the Premiership. It's a great testament to the players, the amount of games they have had to play in but they keep digging in.

"What we have got to do now is make sure we take things nice and steady. It's an important stage within the season and we have to make sure we stay focused on the Premiership while also, when the cup ties come around, we want to win those games as well."

Stoke currently sit in eighth place after 22 games in the Premier League so far.