Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has revealed he will withdraw James Beattie from the frontline.

After their 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers, Pulis confirmed he intends to take Beattie out of the firing line for a spell so he can get him back to full fitness.

The striker came off the bench for Mamady Sidibe in the second half only to fluff his lines in front of goal, as did Dean Whitehead.

Pulis said: "We have kept it quiet but Beattie has been playing with injuries to his ankle and his knee.

"Now we have Mamady back we can give Beattie a bit of a break and get him fit. He has been playing because we have been a little bit short.

"As for Dean , he has probably had his best game for us and missed two glorious chances."