Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is looking forward to locking horns with Sunderland's Martin O'Neill.

Pulis has respect for O'Neill and the two managers are friends away from the game.

The Potters boss, 54, said: "He's a smashing fella and good football man.

"He's a good manager and I think you'll find out that over the next few years because Sunderland are on the up and move on.

"We've spoken a lot, but that's very personal, not for your knowledge.

"But we don't talk politics or religion.

"I played against Martin the year Forest got promoted, they drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers. I was only 18 - it was a battle of the perms!"