Stoke prepare for first friendly

Stoke City will take to the field for the first time this season in tomorrow's traditional pre-season warm-up against local side, Newcastle Town.

The match kicks off at the Lyme Valley Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 2.30. The Potters should be fielding most of the first team squad, including sole new signing Jon Parkin, and several trialists. Rory Delap is planning to make a start after a horrific injury cut short last season just 10 minutes into his home debut against his former club, Sunderland.

Out of contract midfielder, Dominic Matteo is hoping to impress Tony Pulis enough to be offered a new contract after being allowed to rejoin the Potters for their pre-season training schedule.

But one person who will not be present is striker, Sammy Bangoura. The £1m signing, two years ago, has yet again failed to make an appearance at the Brit after his loan period at FC Brussels ended. No other club has yet made a offer for the Guinean international, who TP has made clear has no future at the club after a catalogue of unauthorised absences.