Pulis praises Owen attitude

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has rubbished reports implying that Michael Owen has a negative attitude.

The former Manchester United striker joined Stoke in the summer as a free agent, signing a one-year contract.

But due to injury, Owen has played just 54 minutes’ worth of first-team football.

However, Pulis has revealed that the forward is expected to be involved in Stoke’s FA Cup third-round clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday, having regained match fitness.

“Michael’s not a Big-Time Charlie at all. Some who have achieved what he has achieved in football could fall into that trap,” Pulis said.

“Peter Crouch is the same. There’s not been an ounce of problem with him.

“We’ve done okay as a club anyway, but Michael has been a part of it over Christmas without me selecting him.

“He’s been available so hopefully I’ll get him involved somehow today. But his attitude hasn’t surprised me and I think the players like him in the way he is, he’s a decent lad.

“I don’t think Michael sees this as a big chance to prove people wrong. He just wants to play football and he has to be fully fit to do that.

“We have to get him in that position first but he’s been a pleasure to work with.”