Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen admits he holds a grudge against his former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

He said: "The mission isn't over. It has been about proving my ability and helping the team. I haven't shaken Martin O'Neill's hand since I left and I don't think I will again. That is behind me now. I am just happy to be playing again.

"I think I have played really well this season. I am happy to have proven a point but I won't have proven the big point until we are safe. Alan Shearer being in charge doesn't make any difference. They won't fancy coming to our place.

"A couple of wins from now on should be enough for us. We need to keep Newcastle behind us."

Sorensen, 32, was demoted by the arrival on loan of Scott Carson at Villa last season.

The Stoke keeper added: "If I just sat down and cried I wouldn't be where I am today. My main aim was to look ahead.

"Sometimes you get to an age when you feel you have the experience. I would rather be where I am now than where I was when I was 25."