Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has slapped a media ban on his players in the lead up to their clash with Newcastle United.

He said: "It's absolutely vital that our players concentrate 100% on the match and are kept away from any outside influences. I'm determined to guard them from all the media hype and everything else that's quite understandably connected with Newcastle and Alan Shearer.

"It's a massive, massive game for both clubs and all the rigmarole that is bound to come with Alan and Newcastle could be a distraction. They are an enormous club and the spotlight will be on them, but all we need to be concerned about is Stoke City."

Pulis scoffed at suggestions his team are favourites for the game which, if Stoke win, would leave Newcastle in a perilous position.

He said: "We are the underdogs, there is no doubt about that in my eyes. I find it bizarre that a team like Newcastle are fighting a relegation battle at this stage of the season. They have got fantastic players all through the team and there is no way they should be in the position they are in.

"Joe Kinnear appeared to steady the ship a little bit and of course it was very unfortunate when he was taken ill again. But Alan's arrival will have galvanised everyone up there and I'm sure they will be absolutely desperate to beat us on Saturday.

"Everything seemed to be fragmented before he came in, but his presence alone will have brought the club and the supporters back together as one.

"The good thing for Stoke City is Alan Shearer will not be putting his boots on and lining up against us."