Kitson has failed to net in 18 competitive games for Stoke

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has praised Dave Kitson after his goal in the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

The 29-year-old striker endured a torrid first season at the Britannia Stadium, but Pulis thinks his record signing is returning to his best.

"The goal will add to his confidence and that's the big thing with strikers," Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"He's done smashing for us in the last two friendlies. He's linked up well and he took his goal really well tonight."

Kitson failed to score for the Potters following his £5.5m move from Reading in the summer of 2008, and ended up returning to his former club on loan in the final three months of the season.

Meanwhile, Pulis is pleased with the way the squad are progressing, despite his side not having registered a victory in pre-season.

"We looked a lot sharper tonight and that was a good workout for us," added the Stoke boss.

"We're strong physically at the moment, there's still areas that we need to improve on, but the lads that have played have done very well."

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