STOKE boss Tony Pulis says keeper Steve Simonsen, who was

sidelined towards the end of the Potter's promotion season,

remains an important part of his plans.

Although Pulis is in the market for a keeper this summer, he

has no plans to sell a performer he expects to mount a strong

challenge for a place next season.

The 29-year-old former England under-21 keeper, who has two

years left on his contract, has played 170 games for Stoke

since he was snapped up by Pulis on a free transfer from

Everton in July 2004.

Pulis is thought to be keen on Sunderland's Marton Fulop,

but said of his decision to drop Simonsen: “Steve played

continuously for three-and-a-half to four years after joining

this club. I felt he looked tired.

“But when I brought in Carlo Nash last season, Steve's

attitude was brilliant. He will be an important part of the

team here.”

Simonsen has also been backed by Stoke and England legend

Gordon Banks. The World Cup winner and Stoke City president is

confident Simonsen can prove himself a Barclays Premier League

standard keeper.

He said: “I know Tony is looking at other goalkeepers, but

Steve is a good keeper and he'll do well in the Premier League

if he gets the chance.

“He's at a good age because you need the experience of your

early 20s to put you into that steady mould. He'll be a big

asset to the club. Let's say they bought Fulop and he got

injured or had a bad spell, Steve will be ready to step

in.”

Meanwhile, Stoke have decided not to pursue their interest

in Derby midfielder Stephen Pearson, but are tracking fellow

former loan signing Gabriel Zakuani.

Pearson joined City on March 28 – loan-deadline day last

season – with a view to a permanent move to the Brit.

The 25-year-old Scotland international started three games,

but was an unused substitute for their final two games of the

campaign.

Zakuani is still on Stoke's radar following two loan spells

at the Brit. The 22-year-old defender returned to pre-season

training with Fulham this week.

Banks tips City survival: Page 54