Pulis phasing Owen into plans

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says Michael Owen is ‘desperate’ to play for his new side but is still struggling for fitness.

The former England international signed for the Premier League club after being released by Manchester United at the end of last season following an injury interrupted stint at Old Trafford.

Owen made his debut for Stoke as a last-minute substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City.

Pulis is looking to gradually introduce the striker to first-team affairs as he regains match fitness.

“Michael has trained ever so well over the last couple of days. He is desperate to get going,” Pulis told Sky Sports.

“But he needs a lot more football. He has done a lot of work by himself, fitness-wise, but playing games is a lot different from just running.”

Midfielder Glenn Whelan, who joined the club before Stoke won promotion to the Premier League in 2008, voiced his excitement at Owen’s arrival and believes it demonstrates the club’s ambition.

Whelan said: “It is massive. The manager said when we first came in it was a building process each year and each year we have found that. Obviously the club has pushed on – new training ground, signing big players.

“Hopefully the fans are grateful for that and will keep coming and cheering us on but it is up to us to give them something to cheer about. It is a great club to be around at the minute because there is a big buzz.”