Pulis defends Walters for Irish absence

STOKE CITY boss Tony Pulis has spoken out following claims that Jon Walters was missing from the Ireland squad this week without permission.

Walters was not fit to face Northern Ireland in Tuesday’s Carling Nations Cup tie against Northern Ireland but was not absent without leave, said Pulis.

“Jon picked up a shoulder injury against Wigan last Sunday,” Pulis explained, “So he rang the Irish doctor to tell him. He said he was willing to go over to Ireland to have it tested there, but the doctor got back to him to say not to bother coming over. So I know for a fact Jon is covered and he had got permission. He is clearly keen to play for them and wouldn’t do anything to put that in danger.”