Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has urged fans to get behind the team as they battle to stay in the Premier League.

Supporters have voiced their discontent towards the side in recent weeks as a winless run of five games has left the Potters four points above the relegation zone.

"What [fans] think of me doesn't matter now, it's what they think of their team that counts," Pulis is quoted as saying by The Sun.

"I know results haven't been what any of us want but you can't fault the effort of the players.

"I think performances have been better than many are giving us credit for."

Stoke return to action on Saturday when they host fellow strugglers Aston Villa.