Tony Pulis believes Saturday's trip to Molineux will be one of the Potters toughest games of the season.

Mick McCarthy's side sit just two points adrift of the play-off places in eleventh place, after a recent upturn in fortunes.

But despite the difficulty of the task staring right in the face of the City boss, he says three points for the Potters will give the players a massive boost as they prepare for three home games on the bounce.

"We know it is going to be another tough game on Saturday and it's got the added spice of being one of our local derbies," said Pulis.

"Hopefully the crowd will really be able to get behind the lads, we really want them to be our extra man for the rest of this season and they can start by showing up all the Wolves fans on Saturday.

"If we can get a result at Wolves on Saturday that would put us on a massive high for the three following home games."

City will be without both Richard Creswell and Andy Griffin for Saturday's game through suspension, but Pulis is confident the squad can cope.

"With Andy Griffin and Richard Creswell suspended for the weekend obviously there are two spaces now up for grabs in the team.

"Cressy has been great for us this season, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, his work rate has been fantastic and he gives the team so much wherever he plays.

"Andy is one of, if not the best full back in the division so he will obviously be missed, but we feel we've got adequate cover in our squad."

"We've got three players who, if they pick up a booking at Wolves they will miss the Ipswich game, which is a problem you get this time of season, but I'm sure we can cope with it."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has a selection headache of who to start with in attack. The former Ireland manager has the luxury of having seven strikers at his disposal, all of whom could cause problems, according to Pulis.

"They've got seven centre forwards at the moment, so we're still trying to figure out which two they are going to play.

"Even with all the quality they had up front they've still gone out and bought in Ebanks-Blake and Kevin Kyle, it really shows what we are up against.

"I think Mick will be disappointed that his team haven't scored more goals because they have the quality there at the club in abundance.

"But they do have one of the best squads in the division and we will have to be up for it and do our best, which is what we've done all season and I can't ask any more of the lads."

The City boss met up with McCarthy earlier in the week during England's Under 21 clash against Ireland, and though they will be rivals in the dugout on Saturday, Pulis insists they are good friends away from the pitch.

"I saw Mick the other night and he was wearing his green scarf in support of Ireland, so I took the mickey a bit.

"But all in all seriousness, he is a great guy and a top manager and you always know a side managed by him is going to be extremely well organised and hard working, so we'll have to match that ourselves."