Tony Pulis insists new signing Ricardo Fuller is the real deal - but refuses to throw him into the first team for the trip to Barnsley on Saturday. The Jamacian international has trained with the Potters since his move from Southampton last Thursday and boss Pulis says he likes what he has seen. But he is not willing to take any risks with the former Preston striker for this weekends clash at Oakwell. "I believe I've signed a proven goal scorer," said Pulis. "He looks very bright in training but we'll have to be very careful about his fitness early on. "He's a smashing lad, a bit laid back but has a fantastic attitude, and I'm looking forward to working with him." Despite his positive showing this week, Pulis remains reluctant to take a chance on the 26-year-old just yet, leaving the door open for Vincent Pericard and Mamady Sidibe to continue in attack. "Barnsley will probably come too early for Ricardo, but I think Vince and Mama have done really well so far this season. "I watched Barnsley a couple of times last season and we know it is going to be a tough game. "They have brought Martin Devaney and Martin McIndoe into the side since last year who are two very wide players so they'll play with good width. "The manager Andy Richie is a smashing guy and I really like the lad but we know we should expect a tough match off one of his sides." Long term injury absentees Marlon Broomes (achilles), Lewis Buxton (back) Jeff Whitley (knee) and Andy Wilkinson (ankle) are sidelined while Kevin Harper, Sammy Bangoura, John Eustace and Adam Rooney are all striving for match fitness.
MMMMMMMMm I find Stoke's gaffer atronising towards Ritchie and wrong about Daveney, Bodes well for tomorrow afternoon. Lets hammer them and send them back to the potteries crying for their mams!!!