Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has explained dropping Asmir Begovic for defeat to QPR.

The rate at which they have been conceding goals - 14 in that four-game sequence - has been a major concern and Pulis dropped goalkeeper Begovic, who had twice been at fault in the 5-0 defeat at Bolton, for Thomas Sorensen.

"I think Asmir is going to be a top goalkeeper, one of the best in the Premier League," Pulis said. "But he has had a run of 40 games and it is a long period for a young lad.

"He needed a rest and Thomas is a great back-up for him."