Tuncay a shoe-in for success - Pulis

Stoke manager Tony Pulis insists Tuncay has a massive role to play in the club's development despite playing only a bit part role since his £5million arrival from Middlesbrough. The Turkey captain has made only three short substitute appearances in the Barclays Premier League since signing six weeks ago, with his only start coming in the Carling Cup victory over Blackpool. But Pulis says the 27-year-old has been a joy to have around at the Britannia Stadium and has no doubts he will prove a huge asset in the long term. He said: "I spoke to a lot of people about Tuncay before we bought him and I knew exactly what we would be getting. His persona around the place is fantastic. He's a great lad. He's got a great, great attitude and has slotted in like an old shoe. He gets on with everybody and we see what great talent he's got on the training ground every day." He added: "He would be the first to admit his fitness is not at the levels we look for at this football club. He's not quite on it, but he is getting there. It took Dave Kitson a long time to settle into the way we do things, but he's got there now and is doing very well for us. "I have no doubt whatsoever that Tunny will have a massive part to play here. He will be away with Turkey again for another couple of weeks, but things will settle down after that."

Source: Eurosport