Pulis: Owen has nothing to prove

Stoke manager Tony Pulis insists striker Michael Owen does not have to prove himself to anyone despite an injury-troubled season.

Last Updated: 24/01/13 at 16:09 Post Comment   

Michael Owen: Has struggled with injuries at Stoke

Michael Owen: Has struggled with injuries at Stoke

The former England international has made just six appearances for the Potters since joining on a free transfer in September and, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation is already linking him with a move in the summer.

However, he came off the bench to score his first goal for the club in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Swansea and could be in contention for his first start in the FA Cup against Manchester City this weekend.

Niggling injuries may have restricted the 33-year-old to just 111 minutes of first-team football this season but now the striker is fit Pulis hopes to see the best of him.

"He has no point to prove to me or the players," said the Potters boss.

"Michael is Michael and he just wants to do it for himself as much as anyone else and you always want - and need - that.

"We think he is a good lad around the place and he's had injuries which have held him back.

"He gives us the quality you need. Coming off the bench and scoring a goal would have given him a real boost.

"Irrespective of whether you are Michael Owen or one of the younger players in the group, confidence is a major factor in professional football.

"I was pleased Michael came on and scored a good goal. He did well when he came on.

"I came in (to the dressing room) afterwards and asked whether it went straight in from Cameron (Jerome) and to see his face was a picture."

Owen played 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby at St George's Park in midweek.

That has helped push his claims for inclusion at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday but Pulis admits there are other considerations to assess.

"The lads worked really hard in the morning so to ask them to go out again, especially in this weather, to play a game was pretty difficult particularly for the older guys - not that Michael's old," he added.

"His attitude was fantastic. He is part of 20 players that I am thinking about (for the City game).

"There are other players who are knocking at my door as well as Michael.

"This club is not just about one player and it will remain that way as long as I am in charge."

While Pulis' options have been strengthened up front with Owen's return to fitness he is still looking to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes.

His interest in United States and FC Dallas winger Brek Shea is over, however.

"We enquired about whether we could bring him over, not managed to achieve it but we move on," he said.

"That didn't happen, draw a line under it. We're looking to bring one or two in to freshen it up as we need it.

"It is always good to have competition and maybe there are one or two areas we need to get players in just to keep people on their toes."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m curious as to what image Real Madrid are trying to re-establish as I always thought their pre-Jose image was one of a bunch of a classless bullies tapping up whoever they wanted while living it large on borrowed money they're never going to pay back.

john matrix
Perez Will Spend Big To Forget Jose...

A

t the start of the season, after the RVP transfer, I confidently claimed that Arsenal would finish above United. I now regret it immensely.

Fuzzy_Dunlop
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

D

aniel Storey generally did very well, going against the City won it last year so they're bound to win it this time grain. As for John Nicholson, I wouldn't trust him to predict correctly what day of the week it will be tomorrow.

Griff
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

Footer 365

Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Asmir Begovic has hinted he will be joining Liverpool after the Stoke goalkeeper reportedly said he was preparing for pre-season at Melwood.

Nzonzi submits transfer request

Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi has handed in a transfer request just two days after manager Tony Pulis left the club.

Benteke makes noises over exit

Christian Benteke has told Aston Villa he "won't necessarily accept" it if they tell the striker he cannot leave the club.

Mail Box

More Scared Of Losing AVB Than Bale...

We thought we would have to resort to another mailbox about maths but we've had some grand opinions about Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more. Oh and maths...

An Ode To Rafa And Loads More Mails...

We have one Chelsea fan who recognises the job done by Rafa Benitez while there's maths from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. And Shawcross to Arsenal? Nah...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved