Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has admitted that he is looking forward to the Potters' return fixture against Valencia in the Europa League, despite a potential exit from the competition looming.
The Premier League outfit head into the second leg at the Mestalla this week with a 1-0 deficit following their defeat at the Britannia Stadium.
"We'll give it our best," said Pulis. "They are a top team and I was very, very impressed on Thursday night. They have all the tools in their armour to be a top side and they are a Champions League team, really. They're not a Europa League side.
"There was a step up between what we have played in that competition, but it was lovely to be part of it. These are fantastic times at the football club, playing Valencia and the like.
"We're in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the third year running and it has been a great rollercoaster for us as a football club."
Meanwhile, the Potters boss may face punishment from the Football Association following his criticism of fourth official Lee Probert during Stoke's 2-0 win over Crawley Town in the FA Cup fifth round yesterday.
Danielle Joynson
