German defender Robert Huth maintains that Stoke must shake themselves out of a run which is threatening their Premier League future.

Huth has just returned to the side following a three-match suspension, and he has stepped into a situation he claims is "so un-Stoke-like."

The Potteries gained a reputation last season for not conceding many goals and certainly not losing winning positions.

But they have squandered a two-goal lead against Wolves, drawing 2-2, while losing at Hull after taking the lead.

Huth, who may again play at right-back in Sunday's home match against struggling Portsmouth, explained: "We have thrown away a couple of good positions recently when we should have won, that has been disappointing and we must put it right.

"It is so unlike Stoke to be winning and then find ourselves losing or even drawing, that has not been our strength and reputation.

"We must make sure we put this right, quickly. We have been working hard and we know that cannot be tolerated for much longer.

"Sometimes these things happen, but it is up to us to get it right. We know Pompey are down at the bottom, but they have improved a lot recently and they beat us 4-0 in the Carling Cup.

"With the players they have they will not be down at the bottom for much longer, but we cannot allow them to improve though at our expense."

Huth would prefer to play in his favoured position at centre-back but said: "I have only just returned from suspension and I really want to get stuck in against Portsmouth.

"I played at right-back at Hull last week and I would rather be in at centre-back. But if the manager asks you to do something, then you do it."

But boss Tony Pulis, without the suspended Abdoulaye Faye, may leave Huth on the right of defence.

Pulis said: "We can play Danny Higginbotham or Leon Cort at centre-half now that Faye is suspended, and leaving Huth at full-back. We have choices.

"Huth has done brilliantly for me at right-back, even though I know he wants to play in the centre of defence. I will have to decide."

Pulis also wants to see Stoke return to their resilient form of last season, when they surprised the Premier League by securing a position of safety long before the end of the campaign.

He 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.

"We were always the underdogs last season, everyone said we were going to be relegated. The players had something to prove, and they still do.

"Now people are saying that we are established, we know what to do. But if you take your foot off the pedal in this game, you will be picked in the backside.

"We need our fans to be focused and the supporters to be as vocal as they were last season.

"Portsmouth have brought in some good, experienced, players, and it will be hard for us. They beat us 4-0 in the Carling Cup recently, so they are certainly improving."