Midfielder ban blow for Potters

Danny Pugh is set to miss three games for Stoke following the red card he picked up playing for the reserves on Wednesday.

The midfielder was sent off in the closing minutes of the 2-1 second string defeat against Aston Villa for violent conduct and therefore will receive an automatic three-match ban for the first team.

Pugh will miss the Premier League games against Liverpool at Anfield on September 20, the home clash against Chelsea a week later and also the Carling Cup tie against Reading in between, on September 23.

The ban will not come into effect until 14 days after the offence so Pugh will be available for selection for the clash against Everton a week on Saturday.