On-loan defender Gabriel Zakuani says the team will be doing their utmost for the win in tomorrow's clash with Plymouth Argyle.

Zakuani spent a similar spell at the club last season but having returned to Fulham for pre-season, he opted to join the Potters again for this campaign.

And the DR Congo international says although he sees a definite difference between last year's outfit and this year's team, there is still enough quality around to win games.

"Maybe we grind out results more now when last season with the loan players we did have we got it down on the floor a bit more," admitted Gabriel.

"We've got a solid base but we just need to get more goals.

"We should be punishing teams, especially at home, and no disrespect to teams like Barnsley, but we should be going out and beating them.

"We missed loads of chances and I think that's the only problem really.

"Everybody was feeling down. We were all frustrated just like the crowd.

"As you saw, we created loads of chances but we failed to put them away - hopefully our luck will change on Saturday."

Zakuani witnessed numerous chances go begging in the second half having come on as a substitute, but says he holds no grudges with Tony Pulis for naming him on the bench for the game.

"He did speak to me before and I knew I wasn't going to play as I'd been away on international duty.

"He said to me he didn't want me to play every game in a three game week.

"Competition is good for everyone though because it keeps everyone on their toes as all of the players want to start.

"But when I do get dropped I've got to make sure I play my best when I get a chance.

"It gives the manager a headache if you do have a good game and when I came on I thought I did well.

"I think the manager has got a lot to decide on for Saturday and if I'm picked I'll be delighted to play."

The twenty-one year old made his debut for City in last season's 2-0 win at Derby County, playing at centre-half, but has more often that not featured at right back.

Zakuani knows where he would prefer to play but admits his versatility could be key in getting more matches under his belt.

"It does help because when there's a gap you know you can fill it and it helps the manager as well.

"My favourite position is centre-half but anywhere he plays me I'll play.

"Right now it's all about games and the more games you play the better you become."

The former Leyton Orient youngster has played half of the six games the Potters have played so far this campaign, with club now in 10th position in the Coca-Cola Championship.

"We've started alright but if we had won the game on Saturday (against Hull City) and on Tuesday it would be a different story.

"I think we've just got to make sure we do now this Saturday."

Saturday's opponents are of course Plymouth Argyle but Zakuani already knows what we should be aiming to do.

Despite the Pilgrims being one point and two places above City in the table, he believes we should be doing all we can to get the win.

"Plymouth are always a hard team to break down but as we're at home I expect us to go out there to try and get the three points.

"I think it will be a tough game and we've got to start off better than we did against Barnsley and kill them off.

"That's the key when you're at home and you've got to make the crowd an extra man for you.

"If we start well the crowd will be buzzing and we can take it on from there.

"Everyone will be going all out on Saturday and we've got to make sure we get the win."