On loan Fulham defender Gabriel Zakuani was thrust into the action on Saturday when he came on for injured right back Andy Wilkinson.

Gabi put in a strong performance at full back, even though it is not his preferred position and was very pleased with his own contribution to the game.

"It was a difficult game for me," Zakuani told Stoke City World, "Coming on in the first half, it was hard to settle into the game. But in the second half I was very happy with my performance."

"I thought the team battled hard first half and we felt we controlled the game second half."

Despite being happy with both the team's performance as well as his own, ultimately Zakuani felt City could have come away with maximum points.

"We're disappointed not to have taken our chances in the second half; we did enough to win the game in my opinion."

"Before the match we might have taken a draw, but when you look at the game and the chances we had, it's hard not to be a bit disappointed."

A particular highlight of the game for the travelling Potters was Gabbi's stunning back post challenge in the second half.

"It was a good tackle. I saw their attack building so I made sure I got across and covered Corty (Leon Cort) and it ended up being a great tackle."

Zakuani has lined up at both centre half as well as right back for the Potters this season, but Gabi is just happy to be out on the pitch and playing a role for the first team.

"I prefer to play centre back and I originally came here as a centre back. But I'm just happy to play, wherever I am picked. It's a good learning curve for me, learning about different positions."

"Stoke are a big club in this division, moving in the right directions. I'm really enjoying being part of the club; it's great being part of a side who are pushing so hard for promotion to the Premiership."

Gabi has been keeping a close eye on the current events at his home club Fulham, who have recently appointed former Blackburn and Real Sociedad boss Roy Hodgson. However he is just happy to go with the flow and see how things work out at the end of the season.

"I've got a long deal with Fulham, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

"I've not spoken with Roy Hodgson but I've had contact with the coaches their in recent weeks, so they all know about me and what's going on."

"They've sent a couple of people to come and watch me this season and they've been happy with what they have seen."

"Obviously it's up to Fulham really. But I just concentrate on my game and try to keep learning all the time."