Stoke boss Tony Pulis is confident his side's attack-minded style of play will reap dividends as they chase promotion to the Premier League.The Potters still have a one-point cushion at the top of the Championship despite their 2-0 defeat to Preston at Deepdale.

Much has been made of the manner in which Pulis has guided the Staffordshire club to within 11 games of a return to the top flight for the first time in 23 years.

The likes of striker Ricardo Fuller, midfielder Liam Lawrence and defender Ryan Shawcross may have failed to find a way past North End, but the trio have nevertheless scored an incredible 35 goals between them this season.

And Pulis is hopeful his players can quickly rediscover their goal-scoring touch ahead of Sunday's televised clash with QPR.

"We've got 11 tough games left but I think again we showed against Preston we are a team that go forward and create lots and lots of chances - we have just got to make sure we take them," said Pulis.

"Every game we play we look as though we are going to score goals. We play on the front foot, people say we're direct, but I think we play some good football at times. It's not just direct stuff.

"We move the ball around quick enough and we get in good areas to hurt the opposition and we've got some good players."

Pulis was left to rue more than just the result at Deepdale, as defender Leon Cort - who has scored seven goals since moving to the Britannia Stadium in November - sustained a suspected broken ankle, while Glenn Whelan picked up his 10th booking this term.

Midfielder Whelan will miss forthcoming games against Burnley and Norwich while he serves a two-match ban.

"Obviously it's a blow to lose Glenn but we have the players who can come in and do a job," added Pulis.

"We run the risk of losing players now, like a lot of other teams, but we've got to make sure we overcome the problems."

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