Brek Shea in line to make Stoke debut against Fulham

New players from FC Dallas may feature at Craven Cottage

Pa
Thursday 21 February 2013 07:10 EST
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Stoke manager Tony Pulis
Stoke manager Tony Pulis (GETTY IMAGES)

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Brek Shea and Marc Wilson are both set to feature in Stoke's squad for the Barclays Premier League trip to Fulham this weekend, manager Tony Pulis has confirmed.

Shea, signed last month from FC Dallas, was eligible to make his Potters debut in the 2-1 win over Reading on February 9 and, after opting not to include the United States winger, who has been recovering from a foot operation, in his 18-man party on that occasion, Pulis has indicated he is now ready to get him involved on a matchday.

Republic of Ireland full-back Wilson has also been working his way back to fitness, having not made a senior appearance since breaking his leg in Stoke's 0-0 draw with Sunderland last October.

The pair were in action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Scunthorpe on Monday.

Pulis said: "The two of them will be in the squad - whether or not I start with them, we will have to wait and see.

"I think Brek has been out for three or four months with an injury, so this is almost like a pre-season for him, but he is a fit lad I have to say.

"The work we have done with him has shown that he is very mobile and athletic, and very willing as well. So he is not far away.

"I think Willo is close. Willo is on the launchpad, ready to go - he is just waiting for the opportunity, and he will go."

Forward Cameron Jerome is expected to be fit for selection, despite picking up a knock to his knee in the Scunthorpe match.

But striker Michael Owen, who had come through the contest apparently unscathed, subsequently felt a problem with his thigh in training which makes him doubtful for the Craven Cottage clash.

Pulis said: "Michael actually trained really well on Tuesday after the game on Monday, but he felt his thigh and I'm not sure he is going to be fit for Saturday - we will wait and see."

PA

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