STOKE boss Tony Pulis has vehemently defended a decision to leave nine of his first-team players at home ahead of tonight's historic Europa League clash here in Valencia.

He denied he was already cashing in his chips and writing off tonight's return after losing the first leg 1-0 at the Britannia seven days ago.

Peter Crouch, Jon Walters, Matthew Etherington and skipper Ryan Shawcross were among those left behind to prepare for Sunday's Premier League clash against Swansea.

That leaves the likes of Jonathan Woodgate and Danny Collins lining up in defence at the Mestalla tonight, Salif Diao and Diego Arismendi competing for a place in midfield and Ricardo Fuller, Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome possibly forming a three-pronged attack.

Pulis will also make a late decision in goal between Asmir Begovic and Thomas Sorensen before tonight's 6pm kick-off.

"We picked up a few injuries on Sunday," Pulis explained, "and there are one or two players who have looked very tired and very empty over the last two days, especially the front two Walters and Crouch.

"The team I pick I hope will do us proud. Have a look at the team I pick and make your mind up.

"I've got a back four and everyone is a full international, plus the goalkeeper. I've got three midfield players who are full internationals and two out of three forwards who are internationals. It's not a weak team.

"Three or four of them have captained their countries, while every player who will play has played for me in Europe.

"We know it's going to be a tough game against a side full of quality, but we will do our best – and that's what we always do at our football club."

Asked if his selection policy was a waving of the white flag, he retorted: "No, not at all. That's being disrespectful to the team I'm picking."

He said the authorities could also help the likes of Stoke in European competition by giving them a bigger breather before Europa League fixtures.

"My big thing with this competition is that for English clubs, especially the so-called smaller clubs, I think if you can find a little bit more time in between the games it would help us enormously.

"I think other European nations actually try to make room so they attack it in the right manner.

"We have just been told we are playing Wolves now on Easter Saturday night. We kick-off at 5.30pm and everyone else kicks-off at 3pm.

"Then, on Easter Monday, we go to Aston Villa less than 48 hours after the first game.

"You have to accept that television rules. If they are paying the money, we end up being subservient to it."

An army of 4,000 Stoke fans are in Valencia for tonight's match, and not all were happy with Pulis's squad.

Some believed the City boss was right to keep one eye on Sunday's crucial Premier League clash with Swansea, but last night fan Sue Bryan, of Meir Park, was said to say: "If we lose heavily in this game, fans may not ever be able to forgive him."

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