by Martin Spinks

TONY Pulis defended his sparing use of Ricardo Fuller after seeing him inspire a courageous comeback at Newcastle to extend Stoke City's unbeaten record towards a complete month for the first time in the Premier League.

Fuller remained on the leash until 12 minutes into the second half before being thrown on to immediately set up Stoke's first goal in their 2-2 draw on Tyneside.

And Pulis later revealed it was always the plan to let Fuller loose in the second half after demoting him to the bench for some enforced rest.

"I think three games a week for Ric is not the best," he explained. "Since he came back from Jamaica, I don't think Ric has been right."

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