Matthew Upson says there's no great secret to Stoke City's success after victory over Fulham.

Late goals by Jon Walters and Rory Delap kept Stoke riding high in the Barclays Premier League, while their Europa League campaign continues with a home game against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday night.

It is a remarkable success story, but there is no great secret to it, according to Upson, who said: "I am exceptionally happy here, and everything about the club suits me down to the ground. In many ways, it is such a simple football club.

"By that, I mean it is straightforward. Everybody knows what they are doing, everybody knows what they are supposed to do, everybody does what they are supposed to do.

"A lot of that stems from the manager. He has the knack of getting the best form everyone. It is a combination of his personality, attitude, decision-making and the ability to recruit the right kind of characters.

"I made a slow start, because of waiting for my transfer, and I am playing catch up. I'm getting there now, but, even so, I know you have to remain at the very peak of your game, if you want to stay in this team."