Lineker backs Stoke to survive

Lineker will return to the Match of the Day sofa on 15 August

Stoke City will not struggle to survive in their second season in the Premier League, according to BBC presenter and former England captain Gary Lineker.

The Match of the Day host told BBC Radio Stoke: "They did brilliantly and got the best out of what they've got.

"They didn't play the most attractive brand of football, but if they'd tried to play that way, they would probably be back in the Championship now.

"There's no reason to suggest why they shouldn't start next season well."

But Lineker, who is second behind Bobby Charlton on the all-time list of England goalscorers, believes Tony Pulis's side may suffer from "second-season syndrome" if they do not replicate the hard-working mentality that saw them finish 12th in 2008-09.

"They were hugely competitive, especially strong at the Britannia Stadium, and they did themselves proud," added Lineker.

"I think teams might be a bit more ready for them this year, but they finished the season strongly. They deserve all the plaudits."

Stoke's first match of the season, against promoted Burnley at the Britannia Stadium, is likely to be one of the featured games when Match of the Day returns for the start of the new campaign on Saturday, 15 August.