Source: SKY_Sports
Pulis pays Beattie tribute
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has paid tribute to James Beattie following the striker's five goals in seven games which have edged the club out of the relegation zone.[LNB] The Potters had adapted well enough to life in the top flight following their promotion last season, but prior to the arrival of Beattie in the January transfer window lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.[LNB]A £3.5million fee prised the one-time England cap away from Sheffield United and it already looks to be one of the bargains of the season, as Beattie has proved a revelation in red and white.[LNB]Cutting edge"James settled here straight away and scoring early goals certainly helped in that respect," said Pulis.[LNB]"Doing so well so soon has got the supporters loving him and he's a tremendous character to have around the place.[LNB]"He's larger than life and his personality has lifted everybody here, both in the dressing room and out on the field."[LNB]Beattie returns to one of his former clubs at the weekend as Stoke travel to Everton. [LNB]While he would love to score at a ground where he never showed his true ability, Pulis insists the game is about the club rather than individuals.[LNB]Pulis added: "I'm sure James would tell you it's about Stoke City and not just about him.[LNB]"He's been a bargain so far and we've been delighted with him, but there are still 10 games to go. If he scores another five or six goals, that would be fantastic.[LNB]Goodison return"James and the rest of us are under no illusions about how difficult Saturday's game is going to be for us.[LNB]"It's going to be one of the toughest fixtures we've got left. Everton are a very powerful team and they've also got the ability to play against the more silky sides.[LNB]"It adds up to a great blend and David Moyes continues to do a great job there."[LNB]
