Danny Collins, Danny Pugh and Andy Wilkinson are all possible candidates to replace Higginbotham at left-back.

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Fielding was equal to Ross McCormack's 35-yard effort while the Rams stopper also denied Snodgrass and beat away a drive from Danny Pugh.

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And with Danny Pugh and Andy Wilkinson man-on-man against Milner and Young, there was no space in behind for the wingers to exploit.

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Firstly, Danny Pugh came on for Andy Wilkinson, then Ibrahima Sonko for Ryan Shawcross and, finally, Ricardo Fuller was replaced by debutant Henri Camara after falling awkwardly and damaging his shoulder.

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Pulis believes he has a good knowledge of players and signed the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Richard Cresswell during the summer, while Danny Pugh and Leon Cort arrived on loan early in the season.

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Stoke's hopes of a first away win of the season received an early boost when they went ahead from the first corner of the match with Faye left totally unmarked at the far post to head in Danny Pugh's corner from the right-hand side.

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