Quota will not close gap - Pulis

Tony Pulis's side travel to Bolton in the Premier League on Saturday

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes the Premier League's new quota rules will make the top six clubs stronger, rather than close the gap to the rest.

From next season, top-flight clubs will have to name a squad of 25, containing eight home-grown players.

"If you're only dealing in the English market, I think the top six clubs will get the best English players," Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"The smaller the pool you're working in, the harder it is to sign players."

Pulis continued: "For instance, people like Ryan Shawcross would be in real demand, more than what they are now.

"We just have to be a bit cute and make sure we've got everything in place."

Stoke currently have 37 professionals on their books, 30 of which will be over the age of 21 when the 2010/11 season starts.

The Potters face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday - the scene of their first ever game in the Premier League in August 2008, which Pulis's side lost 3-1.

"They've been in the Premier League for eight or nine years now, they've got great experience and I think they've improved their squad from last year," added Pulis.

"Kevin Davies is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, in terms of being a focal point for the attack, and we couldn't deal with him last year."