Key defender signs new deal

Potters full-back Danny Higginbotham has signed a new one year contract extension, keeping him here until at least 2013. The experienced defender has been limited to mainly Carling Cup games this season and scored in the 3rd round against Fulham.

The 31 year-old has been tussling with Danny Collins for the left-back berth, but so far this season Collins has come on strong and Higgy has been warming up the bench. Although Collins is a much improved player in the red and white this season, Higginbotham is a much more adventurous full-back with a fine cross on him. His link up play with Matthew Etherington served Stoke well last year and I am sure that Danny, like me, feels he should be in the starting 11.

Anyhow, Tony Pulis said to the official site “We wanted to cement Danny`s future with the club because he is a good professional and it is important we look after certain players at the football club who started all this off”

Higginbotham may benefit from Collins injury and start at Everton tomorrow in a match where the Potters could end up in 18th if they fail to win or draw.