Tony Pulis did his homework on Norwich City this week - but already knows enough about new boss Peter Grant. Grant's coaching career began at Bournemouth under Stoke boss Pulis' former Cherries team-mate Sean O'Driscoll.

Tony Pulis did his homework on Norwich City this week - but already knows enough about new boss Peter Grant.

Grant's coaching career began at Bournemouth under Stoke boss Pulis' former Cherries team-mate Sean O'Driscoll.

“I've known Peter for a while now,” said Pulis. “He's very good friends with Sean O'Driscoll from their Bournemouth days and that's how I met him.

“I've not spoken to him since he took over at Norwich as our game was so close, but I'm sure we'll sit down after the game and have a glass of wine.

“It's a big difference going from coach to manager, but he's got all the credentials so it'll be interesting to see how he does.”

For now, Pulis is concentrating on what happens before their post-match chat and, having seen City lose on penalties at Port Vale in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, is impressed.

“I think Norwich have good strengths, especially going forward,” said Pulis, who was also in the crowd for the previous round when City won 4-2 at Rotherham.

“They've got the winger Croft from Manchester City, Darren Huckerby, who's a really exciting player and of course Rob Earnshaw, if he's fit, the top scorer in the league.

“That's an exciting front three, but I also think there are certain weaknesses we can exploit.”

Earnshaw and Huckerby are both injury worries for Grant, but Pulis is predicting an open game.

“I think there will be goals on Saturday,” he said. “They will stretch us as wide as possible and when teams do that it gives them the opportunity to counter attack.

“On Tuesday night they had two or three opportunities where they were in a three-on-two attacking position and on another day could have had a few goals.”