Paul Lambert backs Stoke City to climb Premier League table

Stoke City manager Paul Lambert has backed his side to climb the Premier League table after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Leicester City.

Xherdan Shaqiri gave the Potters the lead at the King Power Stadium, but an own goal from goalkeeper Jack Butland gifted the Foxes a soft point.

Despite Stoke having only won one game since Lambert's appointment, the manager has praised his side for remaining in their contests.

"It's frustrating not to get three points but I could say the same against Brighton and Bournemouth," the Potters boss told reporters. "Since we came in we've only won one game but we've always been in games, which is important for us, to compete.

"We need a bit of a break, like every other team, but if we keep playing the way we are then we'll certainly climb the table. The good thing for me is we are playing ever so well. We've only been beaten once since I came in and we've had some really hard games.

"Performance-wise we can match anyone in the division and with a little bit of a break we will certainly win games. Anybody coming to our games in the last few weeks would see Stoke City as a good side."

Stoke, who remain in the relegation zone following the draw, face Southampton at the bet365 Stadium in their next fixture.