Pulis praises Villa defending in goalless draw

Chances were few and far between for both sides at the Britannia Stadium on Monday night, with the Potters boss saluting the performances of Richard Dunne and James CollinsTony Pulis praised Aston Villa's defending after his Stoke City side was held to a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.Stoke had the best chance of the game as Marc Wilson's header was cleared off the line by Gabby Agbonlahor, while Emile Heskey hit the post for Villa in the first half.Pulis saluted the visitors' staunch backline, particularly central defensive pairing Richard Dunne and James Collins."I thought it was going to be a very tough game," he told Sky Sports. That's their sixth draw away from home this season."We didn't get out of the blocks as quickly as we'd like to but we have to give Villa some credit"Their two centre-halves, Dunne and Collins, were very good tonight." The Stoke boss is hopeful of having Peter Crouch available again soon after the former Tottenham man missed the game with a virus. Pulis added: "We have to make sure Peter is well. He's such an important player for us. When he's ready we'll play him."