Kinnear Books A Seat In The Stands At Stoke!

Kinnear, who was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at the team hotel before the 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion on February 7, is expected to travel to the Britannia Stadium.

Managing director Derek Llambias insisted he will not be allowed to sit in the dug-out during the match and will instead take a seat in the directors' box because of his fragile condition.

Llambias: "I spoke to Joe yesterday and he is doing really well.

"He has made excellent progress and is already doing a lot of walking. He says he is feeling strong and the doctors are happy with him and how things are going in his recovery. We're happy as well and it all seems to be going to schedule.

"If it was up to Joe he would come back tomorrow, but realistically we are looking at the Stoke game. He'll probably go into the training ground for a couple of days before that game to help the coaching staff prepare the team, although it won't be anything too strenuous.

"But we won't let him go in the dugout at Stoke, we can't have him jumping around and getting excited on the touchline. He'll have to take a seat with

Mike (Ashley) and I in the stand and watch the game from there. We have to make sure he doesn't do too much."