TONY Pulis maintains it was right to part company with Martin Paterson and Leon Cort after singing their praises ahead of tonight's re-match with the two former Stokies.

Paterson is hoping to retain his place in midfield or attack, while Cort has been a regular in the heart of Burnley's troubled defence since his January move to Turf Moor.

"Martin was one of those whose enthusiasm, effort and commitment was absolutely first-class," said Pulis.

"I'm pleased he's gone on to do well in club and international football because he's a great kid.

"I can always remember the first time he was involved in our first-team squad before an away game at Leeds. We were training on the pitch here and he turns up with his hair dyed red and white.

"I couldn't believe my eyes. He did it because he's such a big Stoke fan, but I couldn't be having that, so I sent him off straight away and told him to get his hair cut.

"I still say it was the right decision to let him go – in the summer of 2007 – because there was no way he was going to play in front of Ricardo Fuller.

"Ric was flying at the time and Martin knew that. There were clubs interested in him and he wanted to play football, so there were never any bad feelings from me."

Pulis finally let Cort depart in January after two years at the Britannia because there was no way through the four centre-halves ahead of him in the queue at Stoke.

"Corty was brilliant for us in his time here," added Pulis. "I always maintain he was a great signing as he helped us win promotion and helped us establish ourselves in the Premier League.

"He played a big part, so I hope our fans give him a really good reception tonight because he has definitely earned that in my book."

Travelling Stoke fans will regard Turf Moor a home from home, said Pulis, because Burnley have attempted to re-create the kind of synergy between fans and players that underpinned Stoke's successful debut in the Premier League.

"I think our fans will recognise the passion and commitment, not just on the pitch but off it as well.

"Birmingham have done fantastically well since winning promotion last season, but now Burnley and Wolves will be relying on their fans a hell of a lot if they going to do the same and stay up."

Brian Laws has earned his first crack at the top flight with Burnley after more than 600 games in the lower leagues with the likes of Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Sheffield Wednesday, before being hired to replace Owen Coyle earlier this year.

"He's a decent manager who has worked hard in the lower divisions on low budgets," said Pulis.

"He probably got the job for that reason and it's refreshing to see.

"He's a tough kiddie and he will give it his best shot at Burnley."