QPR striker Jay Bothroyd says he could have been playing for today's opponents Stoke City.

Bothroyd will be looking to score for the third match running when he leads the newly-promoted R's attack at Stoke today.

He told The Sun: "Tony Pulis was one of the managers I spoke with in the summer. He is a really nice guy and has assembled a very good squad.

"They lost 5-0 to Bolton in their last game which was highly unexpected and probably the last thing we wanted.

"We know it's going to be a tough game but we have to go there and work hard and play as a team.

"The only way for us is up. We just want to keep improving."