STOKE striker Richard Cresswell has warned Ipswich that the FA cup tie against managerless Newcastle will not distract them for the job in hand.After holding the Premier League outfit to a goalless draw at the Britannia stadium, a result that ended Sam Allardyce's tenure, they now go to St James' Park on Wednesday looking to complete the upset.

STOKE striker Richard Cresswell has warned Ipswich that the FA cup tie against managerless Newcastle will not distract them for the job in hand.

After holding the Premier League outfit to a goalless draw at the Britannia stadium, a result that ended Sam Allardyce's tenure, they now go to St James' Park on Wednesday looking to complete the upset.

But the Potters are also sitting pretty in fourth place in the Championship and the result against the Magpies extended their unbeaten run to 11 after going ten without loss in the league.

Now they face an Ipswich outfit winning 12 and drawing one of its 13 league games at Portman Road.

Cresswell said: “The lads were disappointed we didn't get through against Newcastle but the performance was there and keeps our unbeaten run going.

"Straight after the game the lads were a bit low in the changing room because we knew we could have taken them on the night. But this week we have all been focussed on Ipswich.

"Everybody knows their record at home and we are doing well away so it should be a good encounter.”

Just one of his 105 career goals has been against Ipswich in nine meetings, the strike came in the 1-1 draw at Leeds last season, which saw the Yorkshire side relegated and Fuller sold.

But even when he has not scored the former Leicester City and Preston striker has been a difficult opponent, helping his strike partner cause damage.

Tomorrow, at Portman Road, it is likely to be Ricardo Fuller as his foil and Cresswell warned they were ready to end the Blues' overall run of 17 league games unbeaten.

Cresswell said: “They've got a good squad down there and are splashing out a bit of money in the January transfer window as well now they've got some money.

"I've played there a number of times over the years and they always try to get the ball down and play a bit. That home record needs to end some time, so why not us?

"We've had some great away wins and hopefully this will be another one for us.

"The lads in our squad are fully confident and at the moment it's really good to be part of it because you think you can go out and get a result every time.”

After Ipswich the little matter of jetting up to Tyneside to probably face Newcastle under new management following Sam Allardyce's demise.

Cresswell said: “It was a strange decision. Managers need time to turn things around, but who am I to say?

"I think Newcastle fans have now got what they wanted in the end. I don't think it will affect the replay. It's something they will need to sort out sooner rather than later.”

Stoke midfielder Rory Delap is an injury doubt but Tony Pulis hopes to secure defender Andy Griffin from Derby.

derek.davis@archant.co.uk