Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is chasing a spot in Europe.

Pulis knows a top-five finish - and a Europa League place - is within his side's grasp as they head into today's home clash with Southampton.

The Britannia chief said: "It's something we should aim for. But having the odds against us is what gets us going as a club. I'm sure players and fans would relish the challenge if we ever got there again.

"That's not to overlook how tough it was with the number and timing of the games and how that affected our league form.

"It takes a lot to get used to games coming thick and fast on a Thursday and a Sunday - not to mention the fact they kindly gave us away games in the league after virtually every trip in Europe."