Pulis backs early Wilson recovery

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has backed Republic of Ireland international Marc Wilson to return to action ahead of schedule.

Wilson has been ruled out for three months after breaking his leg in front of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni against Sunderland last weekend but Pulis hopes the left-back’s recovery will be quicker.

Pulis said: “It’s three months at least I think.

“But we are hoping, with the medical staff we have got and the way they overachieve in lots of respects, it might even be quicker than that — fingers crossed.

“We have Wilko (Andy Wilkinson) who can slot in (at left-back), but we are disappointed with what has happened to Marc.

“I think he has probably been our most consistent player this year — he is a very underrated lad and we will miss him because he has great quality.”

Wilson underwent surgery yesterday morning before taking to Twitter to reveal his operation was a success.

He wrote: “Just out of surgery. Thank god that’s over. The whole medical team where different class and done a great job.”

Pulis also confirmed Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan, who has missed the last two games due a hamstring injury, is available for selection and may figure in tomorrow’s trip to Norwich.

“Glenn is back into contention now,” Pulis said.

“We didn’t feel as if he was ready last week, but he has had a good week’s training.”