Stoke boss delighted with Walters progress

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has praised the impact of Irish international Jon Walters since his arrival at the club in the summer.

The 27-year-old international scored two goals in the Potters' 3-0 win against West Brom last weekend, taking his tally to four for Stoke.

Walters previously plied his trade in the lower leagues before moving to Stoke from Ipswich Town, and Pulis is delighted with his attitude and commitment.

"Jon has not just been bought in respect of what he is going to do in the first team," he said.

"He has also been bought as a player who will mix in with the group and his attitude and commitment to everything he does, both on and off the pitch, is absolutely first-class.

"The players have really taken to him. We have a good spirit at the football club and the secret is to try and maintain that spirit and togetherness. Jon has moulded in so well.

"Obviously we are delighted he has got four goals already this season, but it's also his application and attitude around the place.

"As a lad, he has really mixed in and grown with the group."

Stoke's win against the Baggies was their third successive victory and it came after a run of four league defeats.

Marc Wilson relishing Premiership return with Stoke

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has hailed the maturity of new signing Marc Wilson and feels the Irish international will add competition to his midfield options at Stoke.

Pulis told the club's website: "I wanted to freshen the squad up with some young players, and Marc certainly fits that criteria.

"He showed great maturity last season in what was a very difficult time for Portsmouth, so he will give us more competition for midfield places."

County Antrim born Wilson is also delighted to be back in the Premier League after suffering relegation with cash-strapped Pompey last season.

He added on the club's website: "This is a great club which is on the up and so this is a positive move for me.

"I had a taste of playing in the Premier League last season; it's the best league in the world and I wanted to get back there as soon as possible."

Wilson will also be hoping that his move back to the Premiership will increase his chances of featuring in Giovanni Trapattoni's plans for the European championship qualifiers over the next twelve months.

Darron Gibson to Stoke?

Stoke City are reported to have made an enquiry to sign Manchester United and Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson on a six-month loan deal.

The Derry born international has been targeted by Potters boss Tony Pulis as he looks to bolster his midfield before the transfer window closes in a couple of weeks.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson views Gibson as a key member of his squad but could be persuaded to let him leave on a temporary basis to ensure he gets more first-team action.

It would be a major coup for Stoke if they were to land the 22-year-old, who scored an impressive five goals in all competitions for United last season.