Stoke lost their friendly against Bursaspor in spite of the presence of Robert Huth. Bursaspor play Everton next, and have treated their loyal fans to some Everton Hospitality Tickets.

Stoke did not create many chances and But Stoke came closest of all in first-half stoppage time when Robert Huth’s booming free-kick ricocheted inches wide off a nervous wall.

Stoke are desperate to make a "marquee" signing this summer and are prepared to DOUBLE their previous transfer record of £6m for Robert Huth to sign Cole.

The England international, 26, has been a long-term target for Pulis and Stoke's money men have agreed to push the boat out.

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis says that he will be “disappointed” if defender Robert Huth doesn’t make Germany’s World Cup squad.

“He’s been a great signing, he’s been one of the most outstanding players we’ve had this year,” said Pulis.

“I’ll be disappointed if Robert doesn’t get in the team. I hope the German manager (Joachim Löw) has been watching him because he has been outstanding for us. I’ll definitely speak to the German manager over the next couple of weeks.”

Gianfranco Zola was mystified as to why Robert Huth was not sent off after striking Matthew Upson in the face during West Ham's 2-1 defeat at Stoke.

Stoke's German defender appeared to punch the England centre-back while the players were waiting for a free-kick to be delivered into City's box.

Hammers boss Zola said: "Probably the referee didn't see it and that is the only justification I can give for it.

"I have looked at the video of the incident and it was a definite red."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis said he missed the incident but admitted that he would take action if necessary once he had seen a replay.

"I will have a look at it and obviously if Robert has done it we will speak to him and deal with him in-house," stated Pulis.

The Stoke City defender Robert Huth has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association over an incident involving the West Ham United defender Matthew Upson on Saturday.

Huth appeared to catch Upson in the eye as the pair jostled for position as West Ham aimed a free-kick into the Stoke penalty area. The London side's manager, Gianfranco Zola, believed Huth should have been sent off, however the referee Martin Atkinson took no action.

Tony Pulis, Stoke's coach, later said: "I'll have a look at it and if there was anything in it we'll deal with it in-house."

Stoke went on to win the game 2-1 after two strikes, one from the penalty spot, from James Beattie.

Stoke City defender Andy Wilkinson is expecting a battle to hold onto his first-team place, with Robert Huth set to return from a three-game suspension.

Wilkinson started the games against Tottenham and Wolves while Huth served his ban for violent conduct.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Wilkinson said: "Tony Pulis knows he'll get a million per cent from me. I don't think I could have done any more."

Stoke, who are currently ninth in the table, go to struggling Hull on Sunday.

Wilkinson signed a new three-year contract with the Potters in the summer, having started regularly at right-back for the second half of last season.

Tony Pulis today has come out and spoken very highly of new signing Robert Huth despite his actions just over a week ago.

The German international was signed for a club record £6,000,000 in the summer which caused a lot of fans to question Pulis`s transfer plan but he has so far this season become the class act his manager describes him as.

"He has been one of the rocks on which our defence has been built this season, especially away from home". "He`s been the most consistent player in the back four for us. That includes Ryan Shawcross, even though he has had all the publicity" the manager says.

Since joining the club defender who is naturally a centre back has been drafted out to right back but Pulis has no problems with this. "When I took him from Middlesbrough I spoke to Gareth Southgate and he said he would have no qualms about playing Robert at right back, not just centre-half because he`s good in one on one`s and enjoys defending".

After being asked about Huth representing Germany in next summers world cup Pulis says he has high hopes for Huth. "Robert is a very good player and if he continues the way he is I hope he gets selected and goes to the world cup".

The Football Association have charged Stoke City defender Robert Huth with violent conduct following an off-the-ball incident with West Ham's Matthew Upson on Saturday.

Matthew Upson receives treatment as Robert Huth looks on sheepishly.

Huth appeared to strike Upson with his arm when the two tussled at a free-kick and the Hammers defender required treatment on a cut above his eye which had been reopened.

The incident was missed by referee Martin Atkinson but after watching video evidence he appears to have indicated to the FA that he would have dismissed Huth had he been watching.

"Stoke City defender Robert Huth has been charged with violent conduct," read an FA statement. "The charge relates to an incident involving Huth and West Ham defender Matthew Upson during the Premier League match on Saturday 17 October.

"Huth has until 6pm on Tuesday 20 October to respond to the charge. A Regulatory Commission will consider the charge on Thursday 22 October."

Huth could be facing a three-match ban if found guilty, potentially ruling him out of the upcoming Premier League fixtures against Tottenham, Wolves and Hull.

Stoke defender Robert Huth has been handed a three-match ban by the Football Association following his clash with Matthew Upson.

Huth caught the West Ham defender in the face with his swinging arm during Saturday's 2-1 victory for the Potters at the Britannia Stadium.

The incident was missed by referee Martin Atkinson at the time but highlighted by television replays with the FA charging the German with violent conduct.

Huth admitted the charge and has now been banned for three games, ruling him out of Saturday's trip to Tottenham, plus the Carling Cup fourth round clash at Portsmouth and the home Premier League meeting with Wolves.

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