Thursday 15 March 2012

Sorensen given cup chance


Tony Pulis has confirmed that Thomas Sorensen will be offered an opportunity to shine in Stoke's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool.
The Potters have made a habit of shuffling their goalkeeping pack over recent years, especially in cup competition.
Sorensen and Asmir Begovic are battling it out for the number one jersey, and both men have enjoyed top billing at some stage this season.
Pulis prefers to play his first-choice shot-stopper in the Premier League and his back-up in knockout tournaments.
As Begovic is currently gracing the English top flight, Sorensen will get the chance to stake his claim for a league recall when Stoke go to Anfield on Sunday.
Pulis said: "I did it last year and I've done it this year, and that's the way it will stay.
"They're two top goalkeepers. Asmir will be disappointed as Thomas was disappointed when he was missing cup games but these are the decisions you have to make as a manager.

Chance

"The great thing about the last couple of weeks is that Asmir's come into the team and played really well. He'd had a spell in the team just before he was left out where he looked a little bit tired, a bit jaded and made a few mistakes.
"But he's come back in refreshed and looked the part, and he deserves to be playing in the league. Now Thomas gets his chance."
One man who will definitely not be involved on Merseyside is Ricardo Fuller, with the Jamaican forward set to serve a ban following his reckless red card at Chelsea last time out.
Pulis admits the experienced striker let himself down at Stamford Bridge, but is reluctant to come down too heavily on a man who has served the club with distinction for six successful years.
He added: "Ric has done this a few times in his career. He's got that in the bag and I can't justify anything, it was stupid.
"It cost the team and it's disappointing in lots of respects but he's been a great player for this football club, a great talent. We wouldn't be where we are now without people like Ricardo and we should never forget that."