Stoke City boss Tony Pulis isn't concerned after losing to Columbus Crew earlier today.

Pulis insists his team are working hard to find full fitness ahead of the new season after they surrendered a one-goal lead to lose to MLS outfit Columbus Crew.

"It's all about the fitness at the moment, not results," said Pulis, speaking to the club's official website.

"We knew that the lads coming on in the second half would only get about 30 minutes, so we worked them really hard in training in the morning with a lot of running.

"To be honest, they looked as though they had been running this morning because they were a bit leggy which is understandable.

"We will work harder than most clubs to get the players fit and prepared for the new season, so I'm not concerned about results.

"This is a new experience for us as a club and I am sure it is one which will be of enormous benefit to us in the weeks and months ahead.

"The players had a hard week in Switzerland, they've done a lot of travelling and now they're playing in all this heat and humidity.

"But it's so important they are fit, ready and prepared when we start the season at Reading, so there will be no let up for now."