Stoke defender Leon Cort hopes to recover from a bruised ankle when Tony Pulis' second placed team travel to QPR on Sunday.

Pulis may hand Paul Gallagher a start after the on-loan Blackburn frontman scored in his last two second-string run-outs

But midfielder Rory Delap is banned and defender Gabriel Zakuani (broken toe) and veteran Dominic Matteo (foot) also miss out.

Gavin Mahon (knee) is rated 'touch and go' by QPR boss Luigi De Canio.

Veteran winger Gareth Ainsworth could provide De Canio with an alternative after recovering from the back problem which has kept him out recently.

Striker Rowan Vine can probably expect a recall with Dexter Blackstock the likely fall guy.

Sporting Life / Eurosport