Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is pleased for Tuncay

Tuncay has struggled for first-team football since arriving at Stoke

Stoke City striker Tuncay has been praised by his manager Tony Pulis after netting his first goal for the Potters.

The Turkey international scored in the 2-2 draw against Wigan on Saturday.

"He made things happen for us and he's so disappointed because he could have scored another two or three goals," Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I'm pleased he has scored, that's a real monkey off his back. He started for the first time at home as well, so it was a good day for him."

Tuncay, 27, has struggled for regular football since his £5m move from Middlesbrough in August, and was starting a Premier League game for only the second time.

Stoke were indebted to goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who saved a stoppage-time penalty from Latics striker Hugo Rodallega to preserve a point.

Ryan Shawcross had levelled the scores at 2-2, after Maynor Figueroa had put Wigan ahead with a stunning free-kick from inside his own half.

"At that moment, I don't think they'd got near our penalty box, and when that goes in, you wonder whether it's going to be your day," Pulis continued.

"But it shows the commitment and spirit here. They can level everything at us but they can't question is our team spirit, and that's shone through again."

The Potters have gone three league matches without a win and have dropped to 11th in the table.