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Sorensen hails arrival of Beattie

James Beattie
Sorensen feels Beattie will bring extra quality to Stoke's squad

Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen believes new signing James Beattie is a great addition to the Potters' squad.

The 30-year-old former Blackburn striker moved to the Britannia Stadium for a fee of �2.5m from Championship side Sheffield United on Monday.

Sorensen told BBC Radio Stoke: "He is a proven Premier League player and those are the kind of additions we need.

"We have got a few strikers missing at the moment, so he is definitely a great addition to the squad."

Sorensen was also full of praise for winger Matthew Etherington, who made his Stoke debut in Saturday's goalless draw with Liverpool.

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"From what I've heard he has not played much, but I thought he did really well and hopefully there is more to come," said the Denmark international.

"I have played against him a few times over the years and have always thought he is a good player.

"He has got a good touch, and great vision. If Saturday is anything to go by then he is a great signing."

Beattie's last spell in the Premier League was with Everton from January 2005 until the summer of 2007 where he managed 13 goals in 76 appearances.

I've got 81 Premier League goals and I've always said I want to get 100 goals

James Beattie

After an 18-month stint outside the top flight with Sheffield United the former England international said he is delighted to be back and has targeted a personal milestone of 100 Premier League goals.

"I've got 81 Premier League goals and I've always said I want to get 100 goals," said Beattie.

"I was sure I was always going to get back into the Premier League one way or another.

"I still believe I can do it in this league. I'm proven in this league, so there's no reason to say I can't do it.

"Hopefully I can help the club stay up and that is what I have come to do."

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see also
Stoke 0-0 Liverpool
10 Jan 09 |  Premier League


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