TONY PULIS admitted that Stoke City got caught cold on two occasions in their pre-season game against Derby County . . . as they suffered a 1-0 defeat and an injury scare at Pride Park.

As well as being hit by an early winner from Chris Porter, City also saw last season's Player of the Year Matthew Etherington limp off with a groin injury shortly after the half time break.

Pulis wasn't too concerned, however, about either of the setbacks as his side failed to make the most of some good opportunities to hit back after Porter had headed Derby into an eighth minute lead.

City's manager said: "We got caught cold early on, but I was really pleased with the way we performed after that and on another day we could have scored four or five goals.

"It was an open game and that meant the lads put in a lot of running which is what we are looking for at this stage of our pre-season work. I thought we looked very sharp overall."

Pulis stressed that Etherington's withdrawal early in the second half was a precautionary measure, but added: "Matty felt his groin, so we got him off as quickly as possible.

"I think it was just down to the fact that he was a little cold in starting up after the break, so it was wise nor to take any risks and we'll be careful with him over the next few days."

Indeed, Pulis plans to ease off with the gruelling training schedule on Wednesday before his squad puts in two days of hard work ahead of the next game against Burnley on Saturday.

"It's important that we put in the running now to build up the stamina and then we will feel the benefit of that when the season gets underway," commented the Potters' boss.