Stoke manager Tony Pulis will assess the mental and physical state of Liam Lawrence and Glenn Whelan before he decides whether the two Republic of Ireland internationals can play in Sunday's Premier League clash with Portsmouth.

The pair figured in the Republic's World Cup play-off defeat by France in Paris on Wednesday, when Thierry Henry's handball set up the goal that has secured a place in the finals for the French.

The two midfielders only returned to club training on Friday and Whelan is already an injury doubt with the groin strain that curtailed his involvement in the Paris match.

Whelan has had a scan and that will also be assessed by Pulis ahead of the home clash with Pompey.

But Pulis is also concerned about the mental state of his two players after such a heartbreaking defeat.

Pulis said: "I will have a good chat with the pair of them to see how they are. Glenn has had a scan on his injury and Liam must be shattered.

"The two lads are mentally and physically drained, without a doubt. It is a concern. We will have to get their spirits back up again.

"Liam has played two full matches and extra-time over the last week. It is a mental as well as a physical thing.

"They have ended up losing out on the World Cup finals, that will have had an obvious effect on them.

"And they have been away on international duty playing two major matches, I will want to see how they are and what effect it has all had on them."

Stoke will be without suspended defender Abdoulaye Faye for a match they need to win following the defeat at Hull and a home draw with Wolves, where they squandered winning positions in both matches.

Pulis said: "We have got 16 points from 12 games, which is not a bad start. It has been disappointing to lose points in our last two games when we have been initially in front.

"But the expectations here are increasing, and we must make sure we continue to pick up points. I believe this season will be as tough as the last one was for us, although many people do not agree."