'FANS ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR US'

Full back wants a Boxing Day display against Preston for them to be proud of

- Peter Smith

CALM: Eric Bocat has praised the calmness and experience of Aaron Creswell who he has been sharing left back duties with this season.

(Barrington Coombs/PA Wire)

ERIC Bocat wants Stoke City to build their second half of the season playoff charge on maintaining their record as the Championship's meanest defence.

Bocat, who has had a scan on an unspecified injury since missing the Watford game on Saturday, is hoping to return to Mark Robins' squad for a Boxing Day home clash against Preston North End (3pm) that will bring in the halfway point.

Stoke sit eighth, two points off the playoff spots and four off third, with the best defensive record in the division by two goals (21) ahead of Preston (23) - despite only keeping one clean sheet in the last eight games.