Pulis ready to extend Fuller break

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is ready to extend Ricardo Fuller's summer break even further to ensure the striker is fully rested for the new season.

The majority of Stoke's squad has been back in training since July 9 but Fuller was granted an extended rest due to his commitments with the Jamaica national team over the summer.

He was left out of the squad that travelled to Austria for a week-long training camp and Pulis is willing to give the 30-year-old even more time off to make sure he is ready for the Premier League kick-off on August 15.

"Ric does need a bit more time off because he's been working all summer," Pulis told the Stoke Sentinel.

"I'll speak to him when I get back from Austria and then decide exactly when he's back with us.

"We've got to give him a bit of grace because of the games he's been involved in. We'll see how his fitness is when we see him.

"The thing with Ric is keeping him bright mentally as much as physically."