Tony Pulis "scared" of Valencia

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has admitted that he is "scared" of Europa League opponents Valencia.

Stoke face the Spanish side on Thursday with Valencia currently third in La Liga.

"I spoke to Rafa Benitez about Valencia and he's scared me to death," Pulis said. "They're a step up in class from anyone we've faced so far in the Europa League, so Thursday night is going to be a special occasion for everyone at Stoke.

"It's a 28,000 sell-out and we really need our supporters to get behind the team.

"I will move one or two of the squad around as I've done in previous European games and I just hope the players respond to the challenge and do themselves justice."

Stoke are currently 13th in the Premier League with 30 points from 25 games.