Burnley manager Brian Laws believes Stoke are a "perfect model" for newly-promoted clubs.
The 48-year-old has nothing but admiration for the way rival boss Tony Pulis goes about his business.
Burnley will move out of the relegation zone tonight should they achieve a victory against Pulis' side at Turf Moor, although Laws is expecting a f
ierce challenge.
"Tony Pulis is a great guy. I have known him for a long time. One of the things that has not changed is the way he has played the game in every division," he said.
"They are not a long-ball team as some are suggesting because they do play good football as well.
"Stoke are a perfect model for teams coming up and something we have to look at ourselves. They have done it in the right way, not overspent.
"As a team they work hard, are organised and play to their strengths. If they get in front they are very hard to break down. They are a team of workers, not stars."
Burnley have managed only one win in eight league games since Laws replaced Owen Coyle in January and are tipped to make a swift return to the second tier.
But Laws is quietly confident they can turn things around with a home game against fellow strugglers Wolves to follow on Saturday.
He said: "We are all enjoying it. Staying calm under these circumstances is most important for our players.
"We are an easy target. I want the players to go and prove a lot of people wrong.
"The last thing I want to see is them panicking."
