Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has played down talk of a top six finish.

Pulis will be hoping for more of the same in 2012, but he remains wary of setting the bar too high with regard to potential targets.

Asked if he felt it might be possible for Stoke to force their way into the top six this term, Pulis - whose team host Wigan on New Year's Eve - said: "I think it is very difficult.

"I think what we have done so far this season has been absolutely remarkable.

"We have played more three-game weeks than the majority of the teams in the Premier League and they have included journeys of many miles during our Europa League campaign.

"That is only so far, and there is a long way to go. We'll reach halfway on Saturday, and the second half of the season is going to be tough, which we accept."