Wilkinson eyeing regular place

Wilkinson: Eyeing regular starts

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Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson hopes his attacking threat will lead to more starts under boss Tony Pulis.

The 25-year-old has played nine times in the top flight this season, with eight coming in the starting line-up.

He has found himself sharing the right-back slot with £5million summer signing Robert Huth, but played alongside the German against Pompey on Sunday as captain Abdoulaye Faye was suspended, meaning Huth could move into the centre.

Wilkinson then grabbed the opportunity with both hands, putting in a man-of-the-match performance and almost scoring his first Stoke goal after a storming late run from inside his own half.

He believes he offers a different option down the right to converted centre-back Huth and hopes Pulis will give him an extended run in the side.

Ready

He told Stoke City Player: "I'm ready whenever the gaffer picks me and I'm always going to give 110 per cent for this club because I love it here.

"There is strong competition for places in the squad now and so it is important that I make the most of the opportunities I get in the hope that I can regain a regular place.

"I'm an out-and-out defender but if I can provide more of an attacking threat down the right then I am sure the gaffer will welcome it.

"Hopefully that might lead to me getting picked in the starting line-up more often."