Stoke City FC

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• Manager:Tony Pulis

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Pulis aims fire at absent Begovic

25 Aug 2010 - 08:30:50

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Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is set for showdown talks with Asmir Begovic after the goalkeeper refused to play in the Carling Cup second round clash with Shrewsbury Town.

The 23-year-old former Portsmouth custodian has been heavily linked with Chelsea in recent days, but Pulis still expected Begovic to feature against the Shrews.

Instead, Carlo Nash started for the Potters as they edged a 2-1 victory at the Britannia Stadium.

Pulis said after the game: "He said this morning he did not want to play. I find that very disappointing.

"We pay his wages and he has a responsibility to the club. We have a lot of supporters who idolise this club and love it.

"We have a management team and people around who have been here a long time. They respect the club and like it as much as the supporters do. To do what he has done is totally disrespectful.

"Obviously people have been blowing in his ear. That goes on. I will have a chat with him tomorrow.

"We won't be giving him away and doing a deal because of what he has done. There has been interest from one or two clubs but nowhere near our valuation.

"We think he is a good goalkeeper and we want good players."