Stoke boss Tony Pulis has tipped new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen to make an impact at the Brittania Stadium this season after the Icelandic international joined on loan from Monaco.
The former Chelsea, Tottenham and Bolton striker headed a trio of signings late on transfer-deadline day that also included defender Marc Wilson and winger Jermaine Pennant.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis said of the 31-year-old: "He's a fantastic player and will provide that little bit more quality that we want. He's looking to come in and make an impact. He's a fantastic professional. To play where he's played and to have that record, that speaks volumes for the lad and his character."
Gudjohnsen is not match fit but Stoke do not play again until the home game against Aston Villa on September 13, and Pulis added on Sky Sports News: "He'll do a mini pre-season and we hope he'll be close when we play again."
Former Arsenal, Birmingham and Liverpool winger Pennant has moved to the Britannia Stadium on loan from Real Zaragoza until January while Wilson was Pulis' only permanent signing.
The 23-year-old penned a four-year contract on Tuesday after arriving from Portsmouth in a deal that also saw Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson move in the other direction.
Pulis said: "With Wilson we paid around £1.5million plus two players, and we think that's good business as well. He's a good young player who will hopefully grow with this football club."
He added of the Pennant deal: "We spoke right at the start of pre-season but it was too difficult a deal then. As it got close to the deadline, the deal became more viable and we worked very hard with the agent to make sure he comes in on our terms and the money we can afford."
Stoke have had a disappointing start to the season, with losses to Wolves, Tottenham and Chelsea, but Pulis is hoping his new recruits, coupled with the earlier signings of Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters, can make a difference.
He added: "It shows the way the club's moved on but we've got to make sure they come in and have the same attitude as the rest of the players. If they do that then hopefully they'll make us a better team."
Source: PA
