Beattie set for Stoke exit after opting for knee surgery

James Beattie has almost certainly played his last game for Stoke after opting for knee surgery that ends his season.

The big striker is out for at least six weeks having undergone an operation to clean out his troublesome knee.

And the move will see the former England front man granted his wish for a summer transfer despite having a year left on his contract.

Beattie's future has been up in the air ever since his bust-up with Potters boss Tony Pulis at Arsenal before Christmas.

Pulis reportedly tried to head-but the striker in a row over days off to recover from the Christmas party.

Whilst the club have tried to move on since the pair held clear the air talks, a series of minor injuries has left Beattie almost rooted to the bench.

He has managed just one Premier League start and six sub appearances since the Arsenal game in mid December.

That led a frustrated Beattie to decide to sort out his knee when Pulis would have been keen to use the £3m capture from Sheffield United at Villa today in an attempt to rest Mama Sidibe - one of his leg weary stars.

He said: “Mama has done really well but he is another one that looks like tired and needs a rest.

“This has been the hardest the players have had to work in the past two years with the number of games and some of them need a breather."

Unfortunately for Pulis, when they most need a rest Stoke's worn out warriors are being asked to take on Martin O'Neill's fleet-footed kids.

The Potters chief is full of admiration for the way Villaís stars are capable of attacking teams at pace and admits he would pay to see them play.

But he has warned them not to believe fourth spot is in their grasp simply because they play attractive football.

He said: “They are a very good footballing team and don't get enough credit. They are very exciting to watch and I would pay to watch them.

“They play through the pitch quickly and they have got lots of speed in the right areas.

“But you have to earn fourth spot. You don't just get it for sentimental reasons. Villa and Spurs are close but to breaking in but you do have to earn it."

Jamaican hitman Ricardo Fuller is a doubt with a back problem whilst Ryan Shawcross is still suspended.