Defender Jonathan Woodgate has admitted that he has not performed to his potential since moving to Stoke City .

The former England international, 31, has started 11 matches for the Potters following his release from Tottenham at the end of last season.

"My form hasn't been up to scratch," Woodgate told BBC Radio Stoke . "I have high standards and when you don't play so well, you get disappointed.

"I need to up my game and hopefully that will improve the team as well."

Woodgate continued: "I don't know what it is because at the start of the season I was playing well.

"I picked up a couple of niggly injuries, it may be that, but it's one of those things that every footballer goes through. You just have to be strong and get over it."

The former Newcastle and Real Madrid man started at right-back in Stoke's 1-0 victory at Everton , his first Premier League appearance since the 5-0 defeat at Bolton on 6 November.

And Woodgate is hopeful of keeping his place for the visit of his former club Spurs on Sunday.

Harry Redknapp's side are currently third in the Premier League after winning 10 and drawing one of their last 11 matches.

"It won't be easy at all, the way they're playing at the minute and the pace they've got in the side, from full-back, to wingers, to forwards," said Woodgate.

"They'll definitely finish in the Champions League places."