No trial by TV for Michael Owen, says Stoke City boss Tony Pulis
TONY Pulis says Michael Owen has no case to answer after his late-night television appearance ahead of the home clash with Fulham tomorrow.
The former England striker didn't get home until the early hours of yesterday morning after working as a studio pundit in London during Sky's Champions League coverage.
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Michael Owen in training
Pulis said there was no issue because Owen isn't fit for tomorrow's game – and he is sure the late-night travel will not have aggravated his hamstring injury.
"He won't be involved on Saturday," said Pulis, "and he was in at 8.45am working.
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"If he was going to be involved on Saturday, then it might have been different.
"He has a driver, and he sits in a big car. He's not the biggest man in the world so he can stretch out, sleep going down there and sleep coming back.
"We'll let him know if he's doing things he shouldn't be."
Pulis said Owen, who has yet to start a game for Stoke, could be fit for next Wednesday's visit of Newcastle.
But the trip to West Bromwich Albion three days later is the more likely setting for his return from what will by then have been a five-week absence since the home draw with Sunderland on October 27.
"We hope Michael will be fit for the Newcastle game, whether we involve him I'm not sure," Pulis explained.
"But the West Brom game most definitely, fingers crossed. He'll have had 10 days of integrating into the group.
"We need to integrate him into the group first. From that point we need to see how he goes and if he passes that next stage then we can get him in.
"When he felt his hamstring again it was a case of us pushing him a little too quickly, so we don't want to just chuck him in this time."
Ryan Shotton is set for his first league start of the season tomorrow after deputising from the bench for the injured Andy Wilkinson (back) at West Ham on Monday.
Pulis hails Berbatov: Page 54
Comments
by johnarc
Saturday, November 24 2012, 3:09PM
“I always thought the signing of Michael Owen was nothing more than a nice pension pot for the player, and an ego trip for the manager. Just surprised that the astute businessman /chairman went along with it.”
by LiamOSullivan
Friday, November 23 2012, 11:47PM
“What was said, Johnson, was that he has the intelligence of a psychopath. Not quite the same.”
by Davejjohnson
Friday, November 23 2012, 5:46PM
“Worry no more Latthink old friend, I am alive and well. Just got bored with what goes on with this site, it's just the same day after day. I see your mate Soccerfoot has turned up with yet another identity, he's a sort of modern day Lon Chaney. I can't believe that you recently reffered to him as being intelligent, the blokes off his rocker. I'll just concentrate on going to the games which is really what it's all about.”
by Stokie1989
Friday, November 23 2012, 5:11PM
“I wouldnt say he was useless but he is certainly not good enough for the Premier League. At any other team he would be nowhere near the first team. But in saying that who else have we got to play there.”
by Latthink
Friday, November 23 2012, 3:35PM
“Does one realise that with Pulis's tactical genius the game of CHESS could be totally redesigned?”
by Latthink
Friday, November 23 2012, 3:33PM
“If Owen lasts more than one season the whole management strucure should be introduced to the Trent on a stormy day!”
by bilko31
Friday, November 23 2012, 1:37PM
“You may think Shotton is a useless footballer Stokie 1989,but he cant half throw a ball a long way.”
by R_WStripes
Friday, November 23 2012, 1:33PM
“'' integrating into the group'' ?!!!!! Pulis needs to integrate Jerome onto the pitch and also Upson into left back position. Why would you not play an England left footed left back / centre half before an out of position right back ? I suspect Upson must have come up against the Pulis stubborness for him not be brought on against his old club on Monday night ! No doubt Whitehead will start instead of Whelan in the wrong formation and Adam will continue to play in the wrong position. Hope we win despite all the players playing out of position”
by bilko31
Friday, November 23 2012, 1:22PM
“Meant Demba Ba of course,but down at the Brit they'll know who mean.”
by bilko31
Friday, November 23 2012, 12:47PM
“Michael Owen hasn't been sitting up straight.So say the medical team at SCFC and his slouching causes the hamstring problems he has suffered throughout his career with previous clubs and England and apparently they all failed to spot this obvious trait of his.Well done Stoke medics,but let's not mention Mr.Demba Bar eh?
Now incredibly it's suggested after a hard day in the TV studios,his manager, Mr.Pulis suggests he can relax and spread out in his large car whilst being driven!!
Biko.”