Stoke's second goal against Burnley came from a Delap long throw

Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap has admitted he must keep performing to stay in the team because of the increased competition for places.

Delap started alongside Dean Whitehead in the 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday, while Glenn Whelan had to be content with a cameo from the bench.

"Everyone in the squad will play a part," Delap told BBC Radio Stoke.

"The team is going to be pretty settled but there will be changes. If you're playing well, you'll stay in the team."

The 33-year-old is excited by his prospective partnership with summer signing Whitehead in the centre of the Potters' midfield.

"I played with Dean at Sunderland and he'll fit in well here," added Delap. "He's got the right character and the quality too, so he'll be a good signing."

Delap's long throw caused Burnley defender Stephen Jordan to score the own goal which put Stoke 2-0 and seal a comfortable opening-day win at the Britannia Stadium.

And Delap said it was good for the side to get their season up and running straight away.

"It's always important to get that first win and to get it at home," he said. "But we're under no illusions that we've got to be better on the ball than that."

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