Fuller free to play bigger role

Ricardo Fuller is Stoke City's leading scorer this season with five goals

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is pleased that Ricardo Fuller will play fewer international games following Jamaica's elimination from the World Cup.

Despite beating Canada 3-0 on Wednesday, the Reggae Boyz are unable to qualify for the 2010 tournament after Honduras defeated Mexico.

Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "Ric rarely starts for us after being away on international duty.

"But he'll be gutted because he thought they had a chance of qualifying."

Fuller is suspended for Saturday's Premier League game against West Brom after picking up five bookings this season.

And, having found the net against them regularly in the past - he scored four times against the Albion in three meetings in 2007 - the striker will be sorely missed, admits Pulis.

"He has been a thorn in the side of West Brom over the past few years," said Pulis. "His goals tally against them proves that.

"He's a big miss because he's a special player.

"He can be out of the game for a long period then pick the ball up, take two or three players on and score a goal. He can light the place up and that's why the fans love him."