RYAN SHAWCROSS admits Stoke City will have to be at their very best if they are to pick up all three points from this evening's clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Potters travel back to the capital looking to make amends for the heavy defeat they suffered at Chelsea eleven days ago.

However, the England World Cup hopeful knows exactly how difficult that task will be.

"We know how good a side Fulham are, especially on home soil," the former Manchester United youngster told the official website. "Some people have been surprised by them this year with their heroics in Europe, but they have some very, very good players in the squad.

"They will want to make sure they finish as high as possible in the League too, and I think that was proven on Sunday when they beat West Ham United when a lot of people were saying they would take their foot of the gas with the final just a week or so away.

"But we will go there full of confidence. We played very well against Everton and I think we were a little unlucky not to win the game. It was the performance we really needed after what happened the week before. Now hopefully we can get a win and end the season on a high."

Roy Hodgson is expected to rest several of his regular first teamers this evening with the Europa League showpiece against Atletico Madrid just seven days away; something Shawcross doesn't believe will come as an advantage to the Potters.

"Whatever team he puts out, they will be really fired up for it. What better incentive could they have than having a huge cup final next week. They will be desperate to put their names in the frame with a good performance against us.

He added: "They have been in a safe position in the League for a few weeks now, as well as being involved in the cup, but they haven't taken their foot of it at all. They have done well, but we will go there looking to get the result we desperately want."