Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has no doubts that Dave Kitson will soon break his scoring duck.

Pulis said: "It's very easy to run down mountains, but you need a lot more character and strength to climb up them.

"I've had a chat with Dave. He's an experienced player who has been around the block a few times. He knows the score."

Pulis added: "Every striker gets down in the dumps if they don't score and Dave is no different.

"Strikers live off goals and as soon as he gets one I'm sure it will take a weight off his shoulders.

"I don't care if one goes in off his backside. We all want to see him get up and running."

Kitson has been given a vote of confidence from fellow striker Mamady Sidibe, who looks set to start alongside him against Tottenham.

Sidibe, who is likely to get the nod ahead of Ricardo Fuller who has been on international duty with Jamaica, said: "We've all seen Kit's quality as a finisher in training.

"It's not easy for him to get used to the way we play and it's going to take a bit of time. I'm sure he will come good."