Phil Bardsley says Stoke on target for pre-season goal

Stoke defender Phil Bardsley insists he and his teammates are confident of clinching the club's pre-season aim come the business end of the season.

Mark Hughes' Stoke are currently eighth in the Premier League after three-consecutive wins with 10 matches left to play.

Bardsley said: "We set out at the beginning of season to achieve that top-10 status, and we're on track.

"If we keep progressing and playing as we are, there's no reason why we can't sustain that and finish as high as possible."

Bardsley believes Stoke have provided a tough challenge to the rest of the Premier League this season - both in defence and up front.

"I think we've looked rock solid," he said. "And we're always a threat on the attack because we've got quality and different dimensions which we can play."

I think we've looked rock solid. And we're always a threat on the attack

One such attacking option is Victor Moses, and Bardsley says everybody at the Britannia Stadium would love to see the on-loan forward at Stoke on a permanent basis.

"We all know he's a Chelsea player but I'm sure Victor is enjoying his football more than ever, playing regularly," he said.

"I'm sure if there is a deal to be done in the summer, if both parties could agree, then it would be great for everyone."

Bardsley was speaking at an event for a project which is encouraging young people to create initiatives to attract more families to Premier League games.

Stoke City Community Trust will be represented by one of 26 schools and community groups in this year's Premier League Enterprise Challenge play-offs, with the aim of reaching and winning the final in April in London.

Since its introduction in 2009, over 8,000 young people aged between 13 and 17 have taken part in the programme which uses business models of professional football clubs to deliver enterprise education.

Simon Morgan, Head of Community Development at the Premier League said:

“The Premier League Enterprise Challenge has gone from strength to strength with more innovative and exciting ideas being presented by the groups involved. It gives young people the chance to develop their presentation skills and self-confidence, whilst also understanding that there are numerous job opportunities at a football club aside from the eleven players on the pitch.”

“The Premier League Enterprise Challenge gives Clubs, local schools and community groups a great tool and platform from which to interact, which we hope they can then use as a foundation for future joint initiatives."