TONY Pulis warmed up for Tottenham's physical challenge this weekend by inviting Iron Mike Tyson to Stoke's training ground.

The former world heavyweight champion, currently in the middle of a nationwide speaking tour, dropped by for a bit of friendly sparring as City limber up for tomorrow's clash with fourth-placed Spurs (3pm).

"It was a bit of fun," said Pulis, "but we didn't get him stripped off for a bit of training on this occasion. It was just a chance to shake a few hands."

And Pulis believes Stoke face another physical confrontation when Tottenham roll into town seeking revenge for last October's 1-0 home defeat by Stoke.

He insists Tottenham's footballing talent has overshadowed the size and strength of the team assembled by Harry Redknapp.

"He's got good enough ammunition in his squad to score goals and he's obviously got highly-talented players like Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar.

"But they're also a big team that's very good on set-plays. Even someone like Gareth Bale is over six-feet tall.

"Physically, they're a very, very capable team, then you've got that quality of Modric who can open the doors."

Tottenham arrived at the Britannia last season as shock relegation candidates in what proved to be their final game with Juande Ramos in charge.

But Redknapp has since transformed Spurs into genuine Champions League hopefuls as the race hots up for fourth spot.

"Yeah, he's turned it around and their results speak for themselves," said Pulis. "They're in pole position in fourth spot at the moment and they've got as good a chance as anybody in that top seven.

"Harry's good for the game and a crafty old fox," added Pulis, Redknapp's right-hand man at Bournemouth in the late 1980s.

Stoke are on course for another record league gate at the Britannia Stadium and Pulis wants another traditional welcome to help tilt events City's way.

"It's important we give our supporters something to get their teeth into. If we do that, we'll have a chance. We need 28,000 going that extra yard with the team because that's proved to be an obstacle here this year.

"In the past 18 months this club has been on a brilliant and exciting journey, but we mustn't take our foot off the pedal.

"You only have to look to the Championship and clubs not far from here who've done that and found themselves in dire, dire situations."