Pulis frustrated by Adam start at Stoke

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has spoken of his frustration at the interrupted start Charlie Adam has made since joining the club from Liverpool.

Adam penned a four-year deal at Britannia Stadium on deadline day and despite making his debut as a 36th-minute substitute in Stoke’s 2-2 draw against Wigan, the Scottish midfielder has spent little time with his new team due to international commitments.

The former Rangers player featured for Scotland in their opening two World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia and he will now return to Stoke as they prepare to host reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

However, Adam has yet to train alongside his new team-mates, much to the disappointment of his manager.

“He (Adam) only watched us in training the day before the Wigan match and then he was off to play for Scotland straight after,” Pulis said.

“So he hasn’t even worked with us yet and that is really frustrating with him being a new signing.

“I know these players are top professionals who can quickly adapt, but they are also playing against top professionals, so you want time with them on the training pitch to prepare.

“Hopefully, Charlie will come back to us fit and healthy on Thursday after his international commitments.”