Fuller may rest for Reds clash

Fuller: May be benched

Stoke boss Tony Pulis admits Ricardo Fuller's stunning goal in their win over Birmingham on Tuesday may not be enough to keep him in the team.

Fuller was on target with a superb strike in the Potters' 3-2 win over the Blues but may find himself back on the substitutes' bench for the weekend clash with Liverpool.

Pulis said Tuncay - rested for the encounter at the Britannia Stadium - is likely to be restored to the starting XI as Fuller could struggle to play two games in four days.

The livewire frontman has recently recovered from a long-term shoulder problem and his manager is keen for the 31-year-old to make a full recovery.

Pulis told The Sentinel: "Some people will be disappointed Tunny never played against Birmingham and I can understand that.

"But if Ricardo's on his day nobody wants to play against him.

"His goal was like Tunny's against Manchester United, but even better because he's beaten two players and then hit it with his wrong foot.

"But whether he can play two games in a week, we're not sure. Tunny might be a better option."

A much-needed victory for Stoke came after Birmingham had fought from two goals down to level the contest with 15 minutes remaining.

But Dean Whitehead popped up with a rare goal five minutes from time to end a four-game losing streak for the Staffordshire outfit.

And Pulis singled out the match-winner for praise after arresting the club's luckless run of form, adding: "It's about time Dean scored.

"If you're really being critical, he could have had four or five goals this season.

"It's a big result for us, and there was relief in the dressing room. It's a massive weight off our shoulders."

Pulis was also pleased with the performance of keeper Asmir Begovic after retaining faith in the Bosnian.

"He's disappointed not to have a clean sheet," said Pulis. "But he's looked a good goalkeeper."