Pugh praises Pulis transfer coups

Pugh had to wait until December for his first Premier League appearance

Stoke City midfielder Danny Pugh believes the signings of James Beattie and Matthew Etherington could be enough to save the Potters from relegation.

Both players, signed by manager Tony Pulis in January, combined for Beattie's winner against Manchester City on Saturday.

Pugh told BBC Radio Stoke: "They've come in and fitted in straight away.

"The last two games (against Tottenham and Manchester City) Matt's put the cross in for James to score."

Pulis may dip into the transfer market again before Monday's deadline, but Pugh believes the squad are strong enough to stay up without any new additions.

He added: "We've got a great group of players here, and if the manager decides to bring some new players in then that's obviously up to him."

Pugh has seen his first-team chances limited in Stoke's first season in the Premier League, and had to wait until the trip to Newcastle in December for his first league start.

The 26-year-old excelled in an unfamiliar left-back role against Manchester City, and he insists he is happy to stay there.

"Danny Higginbotham got injured in training this week so there was a space available and I was glad to get the chance to play," said Pugh.

"I've played there a few times in the past so it's not too unusual for me."