Stoke boss Tony Pulis has backed new striker Tuncay to be a big hit at the Britannia Stadium.
Potters boss thrilled with new striker's attitude
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has backed new striker Tuncay to be a big hit at the Britannia Stadium.
The Turkey captain has so far made little impact on the pitch since his £5million move from relegated Middlesbrough, making just three substitute appearances in the league.
But the 27-year-old has quickly settled into life with the Potters and Pulis is delighted to have him in the Stoke camp.
Tuncay is working to boost his fitness having been disrupted by international commitments and his early-season switch.
And although he still has some way to go before being in tip-top condition, Pulis is confident the former Fenerbahce frontman has the attitude to succeed at Stoke.
"I spoke to a lot of people about Tuncay before we bought him and I knew exactly what we would be getting," he said. "His persona around the place is fantastic.
"He's a great lad. He's got a great, great attitude and has slotted in like an old shoe.
Great talent
"He gets on with everybody and we see what great talent he's got on the training ground every day."
Dave Kitson took time to adjust to Pulis' expectations after his £5.5m move from Reading last year and was loaned back to the Championship side for the end of last season.
The Potters targetman has looked a different player this season, though, grabbing three goals from six starts so far, and Pulis believes Tuncay will follow suit.
"He would be the first to admit his fitness is not at the levels we look for at this football club," added the Stoke boss. "He's not quite on it, but he is getting there.
"It took Dave Kitson a long time to settle into the way we do things, but he's got there now and is doing very well for us.
Massive part
"I have no doubt whatsoever that Tunny will have a massive part to play here. He will be away with Turkey again for another couple of weeks, but things will settle down after that."
Tuncay could be handed his first Premier League start at Everton on Sunday as Ricardo Fuller is still struggling with a groin injury which forced him out of last Saturday's defeat by Manchester United.
"Ric did some jogging with the physio on Tuesday but he missed training on Wednesday with flu symptoms and we will have to see how he goes. It will be a late decision," Pulis said.
"It's going to be another very tough game at Everton but we've washed the United defeat out of our system and I'm sure the players will bounce back and give it their best shot."
