Dominic Matteo played in a Champions League semi final for Leeds (Getty).

Matteo, 33, told BBC Radio Stoke: "To get into the Premier League with Stoke would certainly be the biggest achievement of my career.

"I've never been part of a team that's been promoted before and it would be massive for a club like Stoke to earn a place in the Premiership."

Matteo has been out of action since November following a foot operation.

The former Scotland international has seen his side go top of the Championship in the time he has been on the sidelines and he says he is pleased with the way the team has been finding a way to win matches.

"In the last few weeks we've not been at our best," he said. "But we've been able to win games and that is a sign of a good side.

"A lot of that is down to the attitude of the players because that has been first class all season."

The former Liverpool, Leeds United and Blackburn man also heaped praise on manager Tony Pulis.

If I don't do things properly it could be the end of my playing career Dominic Matteo

"The manager doesn't get the recognition he deserves," he said. "I see other managers winning awards like manager of the month and I think our gaffer has been unlucky not to win that on a couple of occasions."

On his own injury, Matteo said he is slowly returning to full fitness.

"It's been a tough few months," he admitted. "I don't think at the time I fully realised how serious the operation was.

"I'm back running now and should hopefully be back in full training over the next week to 10 days.