ASTON VILLA manager Martin O'Neill has heaped praise on Stoke boss Tony Pulis ahead of tomorrow's clash between the sides at the Britannia Stadium.
The Potters currently lie eleventh in the Premier League table and O'Neill believes that they have improved even more this time around under the guidance of the Welshman.
"I think Tony has done a really fantastic job - really, really fantastic," said O'Neill. "I think that this season they have pushed on - they have gone a stage further."
The former Celtic and Leicester City boss hailed the Potters for making the most of their home advantage as they battled to stay up last season, but believes that they have added even more strings to their bow this time around.
"Last season they used everything to their advantage at home, obviously the long throw and the narrowing of the pitch, all the things that really, if they give you an opportunity to stay in the Premier League particularly with the home support, you might as well utilise."
He added: "They have added the likes of Matthew Etherington, who has given them something very, very positive on the left hand side and something a bit classy and I think they have stepped it up again.
"It might not always be mirrored in their results but I really do think they have taken it on this season again."
With both sides being involved in FA Cup action last weekend, the Villa boss is looking forward to returning to Premier League action.
"Stoke have had a really great time of it. They will have been disappointed not to get something out of the FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea but it's back to league duty for them and it's very much back to league duty for us too."
