Rory Delap poised to extend Stoke deal

Stoke midfielder Rory Delap is poised to seal a 12-month extension to his contract ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Bolton on Sunday at Wembley.

That would see the 34-year-old, who has made 31 league appearances season, continue until 2013.

Manager Tony Pulis said: "Rory deserves it. He has been a very big part of this club.

"It is not just what he does on the field. He gets his reward for what he does off the field."

Delap has carved out a reputation as a long-throw specialist but Pulis insists there is much more to the player's game than that skill.

"You do not play over 500 leagues game, 400 of them in the top flight, to be just the person to pick the ball up and throw it in the box," said the Stoke boss.

Meanwhile skipper Ryan Shawcross has an extra special reason to do well this weekend thanks to a new addition to his family.

Pulis revealed: "His wife had a baby daughter yesterday which is absolutely fantastic. We are very pleased for him.

"Ryan is an outstanding player but his head will be spinning around a lot. We will have to look after him the next couple of days."

Pulis confirmed that Thomas Sorensen will play in goal ahead of Asmir Begovic as he has done in previous rounds of the FA Cup.