Michael Tonge made his first start for Stoke in the 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth
Stoke City midfielder Michael Tonge says the Potters need to turn the Britannia Stadium into a "fortress" if they are to stay in the Premier League.
He told BBC Radio Stoke: "We are going to have some tough games against some top sides, but the draw at Liverpool showed we can compete.
"We need to make the Britannia Stadium a fortress because our home form will be vital to our survival."
The 25-year-old joined the Potters from Sheffield United in September.
Tonge, part of the Blades team that spent one season in the top flight in 2006/07, said he has been able to pass on his Premier League experience to his new team-mates.
"I learned that you have to be at your best every week," he said. "As a promoted side you'll be very lucky to get a result if you don't play well.
"When I got promoted with Sheffield United, it took us a few games to adjust to the different type of football played in the Premier League.
"Hopefully we can adjust quickly and go one better than United and stay in the league."
After winning their first home game against Aston Villa, Tony Pulis's men have now lost their last two at the Britannia Stadium against Everton and Chelsea.
They now face a crunch home game on Sunday in a battle of the bottom two against Tottenham Hotspur.
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