by Michael Baggaley

STOKE fans' favourite Carl Dickinson is desperate to move within one step of Wembley tonight at the expense of the club which told him he had no future in the game.

The lion-hearted left-back is hoping to play in tonight's Carling Cup quarter-final against Derby County at the Britannia Stadium having been picked for every round so far.

The 21-year-old says victory over the Rams would mean even more to him because they told him he wasn't good enough to be a footballer before he quit for Stoke six years ago.

Now he just wants the chance to bring his trademark commitment to a game which offers Stoke the chance to reach the semis for the first time since Banks, Smith, Greenhoff and Co won the cup in 1972.

Dickinson said: "I desperately want to play in this game.

"I was at Derby from the age of 10 to 15 and I'm also from Burton-upon-Trent, so a lot of my mates are Derby fans.

"A lot of my mates will be in the away end tonight giving me stick so hopefully I can shut them up.

"I can't wait for the game. Derby told me I wouldn't make it as a footballer. The person who said that isn't there any more, but it does mean that little bit extra to me.

"I took it in a positive way and tried to say 'I'll show you'. Hopefully I have done that, and hopefully I can play in this game, get the right result and get us into the semis."

Dickinson has only started two of Stoke's Premier League games because manager Tony Pulis has turned to experience in City's first season back in the top flight for 23 years.

Pictures of Dickinson roaring with jubilation and relief after the promotion clincher against Leicester in May became the enduring images of Stoke's return.

He says he isn't bothered about his lower profile this season, but is determined to force his way into the league side.

He said: "I am just passionate about football and I think that shows.

"If we get the right result in this game, I will be doing it again."

However, Dickinson doesn't expect an easy ride against a Derby side expected to include his former Stoke colleague Kris Commons.

He said: "I know Kris and everyone knows what a good player he is and how dangerous he can be from open play and free-kicks.

"Derby will be a tough side. They have just come down from the Premier League and are eager to get back up there."

Pulis is staying tight-lipped about tonight's selection, but reports no injuries from Saturday's draw with Hull.

Admission has been reduced to £15 adults and £5 concessions for a clash which will move one side within a two-legged semi-final of Wembley.

Dickinson added: "This is the first time the club has been this far for 30 years so it is not just massive for the team, it is massive for the whole club and all the fans.

"We will be ready for it."

STOKE'S Boxing Day clash with European Champions Manchester United is a sell-out. The last tickets for the televised Premier League sold out yesterday afternoon.

City boss Tony Pulis said: "Our supporters have been absolutely brilliant this season and hopefully we can reward them with a late Christmas present."