Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "John has been a magnificent professional for Stoke City, he has played his part both this season and in the past.

"A lot of professional footballers get overpaid for doing little. Eustace is top drawer. He's got a great contract at Watford, which he fully deserves."

Eustace joined the Potters in 2003, making 84 appearances.

Meanwhile, on the same that day Eustace left the Britannia Stadium, both Paul Gallagher and Glenn Whelan arrived.

I've been told he [Gallagher] can do special things on the ball Stoke boss Tony Pulis

Whelan has signed a three-and-a-half year deal in a �500,000 move from Sheffield Wednesday whilst Gallagher has joined on loan for the rest of the season from Blackburn Rovers.

Manager Pulis said: "We've been looking at Glenn for a long time but the figures we were quoted at the beginning of the season are a lot higher than what we've got him for."

He continued: "It's a great opportunity for us to look at Paul. I wasn't at the football club when he was last with us but I've been told he can do special things on the ball. I'm really looking forward to seeing him play for us."

Gallagher had previously spent to time on loan at Stoke in 2005/06.