Source: Daily_Mail
Gudjohnsen edges 'closer' to full fitness for Stoke
Comeback trail: Stoke City striker Eidur Gudjohnsen[LNB]Stoke City's Eidur Gudjohnsen believes he is getting closer to full match fitness after he completed 90 minutes for the club in a reserve game.[LNB]The Icelandic international, who came off the bench for 15 minutes to make his debut against West Ham last weekend, played for the reserves in their 4-1 win over Walsall.It represented another chance for Gudjohnsen to prove his fitness and put himself in the frame for a starting place at Newcastle on Sunday.[LNB] 'This was a big step for me today, getting through the 90 minutes,' he said.[LNB]'I felt much better than when I played for the first 45 minutes of the last reserve match and I believe that I am getting much, much closer now.' Gudjohnsen was expected to play a part in Stoke's Carling Cup third round tie against Fulham on Tuesday night but - although he warmed up ahead of a possible introduction - he was not one of the substitutes used in the end.[LNB]But the former Chelsea and Barcelona has pledged to make his mark at Stoke if he is given the chance at St James' Park.[LNB]'Once I am ready, I will play a big part in Stoke's season and give the fans something to shout about. The manager decided against risking me in the Carling Cup game so I would play this full game in the reserves and that was the right decision. I certainly felt much better for playing that full 90 minutes.'[LNB] Stoke City 2 Fulham 0: Potters are head boys as Higginbotham and Jones secure a place in fourth round PREMIER LEAGUE PODCAST: Tune in for the latest show STOKE CITY FC
