Stoke boss Tony Pulis has challenged rivals to stop Rory Delap and his effective long throws if they can. Few teams have found a successful way of coping with the tactic and two weeks ago West Ham resorted to installing extra advertising hoardings close to the touchline.

Pulis said: "Burnley were the first to do it and then West Ham did it.

"It makes no difference, Rory can throw it from a standing position. He doesn't need a run-up, he showed that at Burnley and West Ham.

"I am not going to tell clubs what to do on their own grounds. I don't expect anybody to tell us what to do at our place.

"If they want to do it, they are entitled to."