Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has urged Potters fans to get behind the players for this weekend's massive game against Aston Villa.

Pulis is desperate not to let the terrace critics get in the way of his team's battle to avoid the drop.

Pulis, whose side face a vital clash with Aston Villa on Saturday, said: "What they think of me doesn't matter now, it's what they think of their team that counts.

"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."