'EVERYONE HAS TO BE STRONG & READY FOR WHENEVER THEY ARE GOING TO BE USED'

City boss says it's guaranteed that all squad will get their chance this season

- Peter Smith

MARK Robins is demanding Stoke City fringe players keep their focus with the guarantee they will be called upon and needed in the weeks ahead.

Robins has been fairly consistent with his selection so far this season and eight players have featured in at least 11 of the 12 Championship matches, helping Stoke to fifth place ahead of this weekend's home match against Bristol City.

There are others who have had to be more patient, such as Jamie Donley (four substitute appearances), Lamine Cisse, Eric Bocat and Robert Bozenik, who have each made just two starts and Steven Nzonzi and Maksym Talovierov, whose first start has come in the last week.

Robins insists the door is open to break into his plans but a player has to be ready to take their chance.