Stoke City skipper Andy Griffin admits the pressure on Newcastle United players can be intense.

Griffin, who leads the Potters out at St James' Park today, said: "Newcastle are a huge club and it's a bit of a sin really that they haven't won anything.

"I do believe there is pressure up there because of the high expectancy. I didn't feel it because I wasn't one of the big players.

"But it can be like living in a goldfish bowl. Newcastle isn't a large city and everyone knows your business and your whereabouts and what have you.

"If you are doing well you have nothing to worry about. I loved living there but I wasn't one of the high-profile players and we were doing well."