Pulis hails defenders attitude

Last updated : 17 August 2011 By Team Talk

 

 

 

 

The England international, who was a free agent having been released by West Ham, committed himself to a two-year deal at the Britannia Stadium just eight days ago.

And after seeing fellow new arrival Jonathan Woodgate, let go by Tottenham in the summer, settle in with matches against Hajduk Split and Sunday's goalless draw at home to Chelsea it appears Upson could now get his chance.

Stoke face FC Thun on an artificial pitch in the first leg of their Europa League play-off in Switzerland on Thursday.

It seems likely Woodgate, who put in a good performance against Chelsea, will be not be risked on the harsh surface considering his recent injury history.

That would open the way for Upson to come in, bringing his considerable know-how to what will be a difficult test.

So far Woodgate and Upson are Pulis' only two signings but their arrival brings much-needed Champions League, in the case of the former, and international experience to the side.

"Matthew is exactly the same as Jonathan, he just needs to play football," said the Potters boss.

"His attitude has been absolutely brilliant. With players who have played at that level and have been that good the one thing most of them have is a great attitude.

"You wouldn't believe these two have just walked into our place; they have settled in so well and knuckled down to what we do.

"If you speak to the staff and players Woodgate and Upson have been absolutely fantastic since they walked through the door.

"Upson is very much in my thoughts for tomorrow.

"We'll sit down and go through and try to work out a system where we give ourselves the best chance to win while also being able to rest one or two."

Pulis has a few selection decisions to make with Matt Etherington (shoulder), Rory Delap (thigh) and Jermaine Pennant (leg) all sustaining problems in Sunday's goalless draw against Chelsea.

The manager hopes to be able to take as many players with him on the trip as the plan after the match is to stay overnight, train the squad on Friday morning and then fly directly to Norwich to prepare for Sunday's Premier League match.

Balancing European and domestic issues is a challenge for Pulis as he is not blessed with huge numbers and knows he has to bring more players in before the close of the transfer window.

"It will give people an opportunity to play," he added.

"We gave Woodgate the opportunity to play (he made his debut in the Europa League) and it didn't do him any harm so it gives me the chance to play a couple of players.

"I am delighted with what we have in our back four now. We've got good depth at full-back, got very good cover at centre-half and the goalkeeping situation with Asmir Begovic, Thomas Sorensen and Carlo Nash is brilliant.

"We have to improve on midfield and most probably try to get another wide player if we can - and we have to get a couple of forwards in.

"That is four or five players we are desperately trying to get in to provide us with some competition."

 

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk