Source: SKY_Sports
Arismendi set for Stoke debut
Tony Pulis has confirmed recent signing Diego Arismendi will make his Stoke City debut in Tuesday's Carling Cup tie against Blackpool.
Uruguayan midfielder Arismendi joined the Potters before the close of the transfer window from Club Nacional and has been given time to settle at the Britannia Stadium.
Stoke boss Pulis is confident the 21-year-old is now ready for his baptism in English football and plans to start Arismendi in the third-round tie at home to Championship side Blackpool.
"Diego has settled in smashing for a young man who has moved so far from his homeland," said Pulis.
"He's very, very enthusiastic and keen and we are looking forward to seeing him play. He's done very well in two reserve games and he will definitely start against Blackpool.
"Diego is strong and good on the ball. He's looked after himself with no problems in training and we might just have found a very good player."
Pulis plans to given fringe members of his squad a chance against Blackpool and admits it could lead to some of his players leaving the Britannia Stadium on loan.
He added: "There are players who we would allow out on loan and there are players who will be doing their utmost to get back into our side.
"The team we put out will be very competitive and have something
to prove, so I'm looking forward to a good game."
The Stoke chief is also expecting a difficult test against Blackpool, who thrashed Wigan in the last round, and have won back-to-back league games against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
"It's going to be a very tough game," said Pulis. "Reidy (Stoke's assistant manager Peter Reid) saw them beat Newcastle and was very impressed.
"Blackpool are physically very strong and I'm not surprised they are giving everyone a run for their money. Ollie's building a good side and we will have our hands full."
