Tony Pulis admits Stoke need to improve their away form if they are to have any chance of remaining in the Premiership.

This is in stark contrast to their home form which he explains is because of the fanatical support given.

"We are looking forward to going to Newcastle after the disappointment in the week of going out of the Carling Cup to Derby in the last minute, now we must move on and try to win an away game," he said.

"We have been good at picking ourselves up after disappointments, and we will need to be this time. We are desperate for an away win.

"It is important, psychologically, that we do that as quick as we can."

Pulis admits one of the overwhelming factors in Stoke's performances is the crowd support.

"What is the difference for us? Probably the fact that we have 28,000 people behind us at home helps, it can be a real boost and we seem able to impose ourselves on teams.

"That has helped us as a club, the atmosphere here is great. But I do not think we have done that badly away from home, things just haven't fallen for us.

"But we won't stay up if we don't win away games. I reckon three away wins for us will be vital.

"We are still mid-table and we are happy with our tally for home games. But we must start doing that on the road."