Source: Team_Talk
Potters on front foot - Begovic
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic insists Stoke will go for the win in Thursday night's Europa League play-off first leg at FC Thun.[LNB] Tony Pulis' side have travelled to Switzerland to take on the Super League leaders in impressive form, having beaten Hajduk Split over two legs and held Chelsea to a goalless draw in their Premier League opener.[LNB]Bosnia-Herzegovina international Begovic kept clean sheets in all three of those games, but on Thursday night will face a side who thrashed Lausanne Sport 5-2 at the weekend.[LNB]"From a defensive point of view, we have been superb so far, so we will go there confident of producing another solid performance," Begovic told Stoke's official website.[LNB]"It will be tough - we know that. There are no easy rides anywhere when you are playing home or away in European competition.[LNB]"They are flying at the moment, but we are confident too. We beat a very good Hajduk Split side 2-0 in the last round and held Chelsea to a draw on Sunday, so we are going there looking to put ourselves in the driving seat."[LNB]The former Portsmouth goalkeeper has established himself as the Potters number one ahead of Thomas Sorensen, but knows he cannot afford to let his standards drop.[LNB]"It's fantastic to be involved in these competitions - it's what you aim for as a youngster, so of course you want to play in as many games as possible," he said.[LNB]"There is competition for places now and nothing is guaranteed, but I'm obviously hoping to keep my place in the team and help the club to another successful season."[LNB]Former West Ham centre-back Matthew Upson is in line to make his Stoke debut against Thun.[LNB]Upson joined the Potters last week and, with fellow new signing Jonathan Woodgate to be rested, the England international is set to play.[LNB]Rory Delap (hamstring) and Jermaine Pennant (thigh) may not be risked but winger Matthew Etherington is in contention.[LNB]The 30-year-old was a doubt due to an arm injury sustained against Chelsea but scans have shown he has only suffered minor nerve damage.[LNB]The 30-year-old flew to Switzerland with the rest of the squad and Pulis must now decide whether he is ready to start.[LNB]"Once we've trained on the artificial pitch and got a feel for it, I will talk to the medical team about one or two players who have knocks and Matty is one of them," said Pulis.[LNB]"It's obviously a huge relief that the injury to Matty is not serious, but he is still a bit sore. Like some of our other more experienced players, he knows his body better than anyone. So I will speak with him and the medical team before I make a decision."
