Tonge seeks bigger role at Stoke

Tonge started just one Premier League match in 2008/09

Midfielder Michael Tonge is prepared to stay with Stoke City and challenge for a first-team place next season.

The 25-year-old signed from Sheffield United for £2m in September but played just twice for the Potters in 2009.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's been frustrating because I've not played as much as I would have liked.

"But I'm looking forward to next season. Everyone starts on a level playing field again, and hopefully I can play myself into the team."

Tonge made just two starts all season - against Portsmouth in the Premier League in October, and in the FA Cup defeat to Hartlepool in January.

Despite his continued absence from the first team, Tonge remains convinced that he made the right move to join Stoke, and believes he can play a more important role for them in their second season in the Premier League.

"Even though I've not played as much as I would have liked, I've really enjoyed it. I've settled in really well and everyone at the club has made me feel really welcome.

"When you got to a new club, you want to prove that you're good enough. I've got no thoughts of leaving. I just want to play a bigger part than I did last season.

"I want to try and impress the manager in the pre-season games. The lads that have played the majority of the season will be in a strong position.

"You just want to start the season flying, because everyone will be coming back a little bit rusty and no one's got any sort of form. If you hit form early doors, you can make a statement for starting."