Danny to fight for place

Higginbotham: Fighting for place

Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham is determined to win his place back in manager Tony Pulis' side.

The 31-year-old started Stoke's first Premier League game of the season at Wolves, but has only made one Carling Cup appearance since.

Higginbotham has grown a frustrated figure on the sidelines, however, he is not looking to leave the club for a new challenge.

The former Sunderland and Southampton man is determined to knuckle down and force his way back into the manager's good books.

Frustrating

"It has been very frustrating," he told The Sentinel.

"The first game of the season at Wolves wasn't a great result and after that I have only played in our Carling Cup game.

"But that is part and parcel of football. If you aren't determined to win your shirt back, there is no point being at the club.

"I have been in this situation before and I am sure I will be again.

"This club has come a long way and wants to keep progressing. Long may that continue.

"It is a case of me being patient and waiting for the opportunity."

Avenge

Stoke tackle Fulham in the Carling Cup on Tuesday and Higginbotham is keen to help the club reach the fourth round.

The Potters were eliminated by Derby at the quarter-final stage in the 2008/09 campaign and they hope to go one better by reaching this year's semi-finals.

"We fancied our chances of getting to the semi-finals, but Derby came here and soon changed that," he continued.

"Fair play to them, they came here and did well.

"But cup nights are brilliant. They give you something different and it would be great if we could go on and get to the final."