Stoke midfielder Dean Whitehead is satisfied with his side's start to the season - but admits it could have been even better.

The Potters currently lie in 12th place in the Barclays Premier League table on eight points having already encountered big boys Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Those three games have all ended in defeat, although victories over Burnley and Whitehead's former club Sunderland, coupled with draws at Birmingham and Bolton, have ensured a solid opening.

The 27-year-old told the club's official website, www.stokecityfc.co.uk: "I think we have had a pretty steady start.

"We have played three of the top four so far, but we still feel we should have one or two more points on the board."

Stoke will hope to address that situation this Sunday when they head for in-form Everton, and beyond that in home games against West Ham and Wolves either side of a trip to Tottenham.

Whitehead said: "We go away to Everton next and then we are at home to West Ham, so we are starting to play teams that we should be getting a result from.

"We know what Everton are like. They are a strong side, they are hard-working and they have got good players.

"We know full well that it is going to be a tough game for us."