Stoke midfielder Michael Tonge wants to stay and fight for his place at the Britannia Stadium. The 25-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Tony Pulis' plans since his arrival in the summer and he has only started two games this term.

"It's a case of me being patient," Tonge told the Stoke Sentinel.

"I had an opportunity last Saturday and did OK, so hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, I might get a couple more chances and take it from there.

"It's frustrating because every player wants to play football. But in the situation we are in, we need everyone around to try to give us a push and help where we can.

"We have suspensions in the midfield and that is when you need your squad.

"I only signed for Stoke at the start of the season and feel I'm settling in now.

"I know what the manager expects from me, so I'm looking forward to the remainder of the games this season.

"Hopefully we can give it that last push and maintain our Premier League status."