STOKE City manager Tony Pulis is confident he will be able to unleash new signing Jonathan Woodgate for the first time this weekend as the England defender begins his long road back to full fitness.
However, the Potters are unlikely to consider the former Champions League semi-finalist for next week's Europa League clash with Croatians Hajduk SplitWoodgate, restricted to just four games in two seasons because of groin trouble at Tottenham, has successfully negotiated his first few training sessions under the watchful eye of Stoke's medical team.
And now Pulis wants to include the 31-year-old in friendlies at Brentford on Friday, or Aldershot on Saturday.
"He's had two or three days' training, but has still got a lot of strength work to do," revealed Pulis. "It will be interesting to see how he does.
"He wants to get going with the other players. The good thing is he came down to Wales with us last weekend for the games at Newport and got to know the other lads. We expect him to be a good experienced player for us."
Pulis played two trialists, Aussie-born winger Robert Stambolziev and Darlington striker Michael Smith, during last night's 6-0 stroll at non-league Newcastle Town.
"They both did smashing," said Pulis, but gave no clues about his future intention for the pair.
He continued: "It's no secret we need to bring players in to boost the squad. We're hoping to do some deals over the next few weeks."
Pulis said he has most of his team already pencilled in for the first competitive game of the season, against Hajduk Split at the Britannia Stadium in seven days.
"There are one or two positions I'm still not sure about, but 90 per cent of it is in my mind," he disclosed.
Stoke were watched last night by Hajduk Split's assistant manager, Yontcho Arsov, as the Croatians step-up their homework ahead of their first leg visit next Thursday.
He revealed after the game that Hajduk were already planning for Rory Delap's throws as they hope for a long run in the Europa League.
"Of course I know about Delap," he grinned, "and I think the throw-in is pretty dangerous.
"Robert Huth I know, of course, because he is German and I am half German too.
"Then there is Jermaine Pennant, who played with Liverpool, and Jonathan Woodgate, who played with Real Madrid.
"We have only three internationals at Hajduk Split; from Montenegro, Japan and Croatia."
Arsov said he was suitably impressed by Stoke, observing: "In the second half it was easy for the Stoke players, who showed they have great players and good technical skills.
"It might be useful for us seeing this game, but we will have a better picture of Stoke City after watching their two friendly games on Friday and Saturday."
Story from The Sentinel P41
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