Blackburn win not enough - Matteo

Matteo is currently studying for his Uefa coaching qualifications

Stoke defender Dominic Matteo does not think a win against his former club Blackburn on Saturday will be enough to guarantee City's Premier League status.

The Potters currently lie 13th in the table, six points above the relegation zone and two points above Blackburn, who are 16th.

Matteo told BBC Radio Stoke: "Realistically they'll need a win and a draw, Blackburn need the points too.

"It's a game I think both teams will think they can get something out of."

Meanwhile the 34-year-old has decided against having complex surgery to remove two discs from his spine and replace them with pins.

"I'd be out for between a year and 18 months. My body isn't that great, and it could mean calling it a day," said Matteo.

"I just want to give it a few more months of rehab, and maybe if it gets better I can see if I can get a pre-season somewhere in the summer."

The former Liverpool and Leeds man signed a new one-year contract at the Britannia Stadium in August, but has made just one appearance for the Potters this season.