Tony Pulis frustrated by start to Charlie Adam spell at Stoke

Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam (GETTY IMAGES)

Tony Pulis has spoken of his frustration at the way life at Stoke has begun for Charlie Adam.

Midfielder Adam joined the Staffordshire outfit from Liverpool on transfer deadline day and made his debut 24 hours later as a substitute in their 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw at Wigan.

The 26-year-old put in a performance which was encouraging, particularly given he had not yet had a chance to train with his new team-mates.

Adam went on international duty with Scotland straight after the Wigan game and has since played in World Cup qualifiers against Serbia on Saturday and Macedonia last night, meaning he has still to take part in a training session with his new club mates.

Stoke boss Pulis said: "He only watched us in training the day before the Wigan match and then he was off to play for Scotland straight after.

"So he hasn't even worked with us yet and that is really, really frustrating with him being a new signing.

"I know these players are top professionals who can quickly adapt, but they are also playing against top professionals, so you want time with them on the training pitch to prepare.

"Hopefully, Charlie will come back to us fit and healthy on Thursday after his international commitments."

Pulis was also less than pleased to see the Republic of Ireland playing a friendly yesterday against Oman, with Stoke defender Marc Wilson among those who featured.

"These games are just there to make money for the football associations involved," said Pulis, quoted in The Sentinel.

"Marc Wilson is away with Ireland, and as his club manager you are just keeping your fingers crossed he comes back in one piece from a meaningless friendly."

PA