Stoke City manager Gary Rowett has revealed he plans to up the tempo of his side when they clash with Derby County on Wednesday evening, report the club's official Twitter account. 

It will be the first time he has returned to his former club since leaving in the summer for Stoke and will be keen to improve on the club's recent performances.

"It is certainly worth trying to create a bit of a tempo at the start of matches

"That is what we will be looking to work on in the upcoming matches.

"We are looking to get plenty of bodies forward in the attacking third rather than specifically playing two up front."

Stoke currently sit in 13th place with 18 matches played despite being made favourites to win the Championship title before the season had begun.

The Potters have won just one of their last five matches, scoring just four goals in that time.

However, they are also unbeaten in that time giving Rowett a glimmer of hope that the season could still be turned into a successful one.

They sit eight points below Frank Lampard's Derby side and Rowett's former club as they look to close the gap on the Rams.

The verdict

With the attacking talent at his disposal, it is remarkable that Rowett has been so cautious over the last few months.

With the likes of Tom Ince, James McClean, Benik Afobe and Bojan in their side Stoke should be scoring goals for fun.

It is time he let them off the leash a bit.