TESTING TIMES

Boss bullish as City welcome high-flying Robins before trip to Oxford and then home again against his old side

- Peter Smith

MARK Robins insists Stoke City must keep improving as he gears up his side for a new week of challenges.

Fifth-placed Stoke host fourth-placed Bristol City today (3pm) and runaway leaders Coventry next Saturday after a midweek trip to Gary Rowett's Oxford.

"That's what you're in it for," said Robins. "Last season we were talking in here and everyone was pretty nervous about the situation even if you have to enjoy whatever you’re doing otherwise there’s no point.

"This time we're a quarter of the way through and we've got ourselves into a really good position in terms of our performances.

"Generally we're pretty good, we look competitive and we've got to try to keep that up.