There is a recipe to make step up without the cash

He is relatively inexperienced on the clay surface and against someone with superb quality - who is trying to take over from the greats - he made it a competitive and gripping match. That's what I want from Stoke City: make everything competitive and gripping, even if it's against the odds. If you have that purpose and drive, commitment, passion and will to win, you can do it.

- By Mike Pejic

Elite sport comes down to application and decision making and you give yourselves the best chance by building reserves of energy and stamina. There are so many staff involved these days but the bottom line will be the character of the player and their dedication, how they treat their mind and body. You know the level you're at and you should know the level you've got to hit.

It's more than just what you do in training, it's how you live your life. I want players who desper-ately want to get the best out of themselves. It takes a lot to get that fire in your belly but, when you've got it, boy is it worth it.