Fuller back for Stoke

Ricardo Fuller has returned from compassionate leave to bolster Stoke City’s attacking options for Saturday’s trip down the M6 to Birmingham City.

Fuller missed last Saturday’s win over Sunderland after flying home to Jamaica to attend an uncle’s funeral.

“Ric is back with us and he will be in the mix for Saturday,” manager Tony Pulis confirmed on Thursday.

“His uncle was only in his forties and died of a heart attack as he worked on the railway, so it has been a tough time for Ric and his family.”

“There was also a lot of speculation about him possibly leaving us in the January transfer window, but Ric loves this club and the fans and I have no doubt he will get on with the job.”

Last Saturday’s victory over Sunderland pushed Stoke up to ninth place on the English Premier League table, but Pulis insisted they were taking nothing for granted.

“We are still looking over our shoulders,” he said.

“It’s a very tight division this season and the usual safety target of 40 points might not be quite enough. There is a lot of work to do yet and we certainly can’t get complacent.”

Pulis refused to elaborate after admitting there were ‘one or two niggles’ in the camp, but he is likely to name an unchanged team for what he expects to be a battle at St Andrew’s.

“Alex McLeish has got a lot of good footballers in his team, but they are also very strong and tough where it matters. It’s going to be a difficult game, but definitely one we are looking forward to,” Pulis said.

Stoke’s former Birmingham winger Jermaine Pennant and ex-Aston Villa striker John Carew are sure of a hot reception on their return to the West Midlands capital.

“I’m sure they will relish the challenge,” Pulis said of the pair.

“John has settled in brilliantly with us and gets on great with everyone. He’s got a real presence about him and a very good sense of humour.”