FIRST TEAM Coach Mark O'Connor has pinpointed Tony Pulis' decision to field an extremely strong line-up against York City in the FA Cup at the start of January as a key factor in Stoke City's recent upturn in fortunes.

The Potters had failed to win in six Premier League encounters prior to the turn of the New Year, but since then their form has dramatically improved with Pulis leading his side to four wins and two draws from their six games in 2010.

Following the emphatic win over Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, the Potters best in the Premier League, they have now scored three goals in four of their last five home matches, and a total of 13 in all during that upturn in fortunes.

It all began against the Minstermen at the start of January where the Welshman surprised everyone by naming a full strength side for the clash with the non-league minnows, and as O'Connor explains it has proved to be a masterstroke.

"I think a lot of people questioned the gaffer's decision to name such a strong team for that game, especially when we had a huge League game against Fulham just a few days later," he told Stoke City Player. "But we needed a win and that's exactly what we got.

"That win gave us confidence and from that we have got our season back on track with a fantastic run of results. We have played some really good stuff, especially against Arsenal, Fulham and Blackburn, and hopefully that will carry on at Wigan on Tuesday."

The Potters travel to the DW Stadium in a buoyant mood for the Barclays Premier League encounter with Roberto Martinez's side tomorrow evening.