Pennant eyes permanent move

Winger Jermaine Pennant is eager to make his deal with Stoke City a permanent one.

The 27-year-old arrived at the Potters on loan from Spanish club Real Zaragoza last month and will ply his trade in the Premier League until January.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has already revealed his interest in tying down Pennant on a long-term contract.

And speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News, the former Liverpool and Arsenal man revealed he is keen to return to the English top flight on a permanent basis.

Missed

"I've missed the Premier League," said Pennant. "I've also missed having a team meeting and understanding the instructions I'm getting.

"It's just a great league to play in. I know the league, I've played my whole career in the Premier League.

"Coming back here is nothing new to me, I know what's expected. I'm just going to do the best for myself and see what happens come January. "

He added: "Half of the reason you go on loan is to get yourself back out there, make people aware that you're there, and get a good game going.

"My first mission is to help Stoke climb the table, win games and do the best for them and then for myself as well.

"Like I said, we'll see what happens in January and if I can get a permanent (deal) then great."

Potters boss Tony Pulis is aiming for a spot in the top 10 this season following his side's 11th-placed finish last term, and Pennant feels it is a realistic goal.

"The gaffer said today before we started training he's brought some good players in during this transfer window and he's hoping for a top 10 finish," said Pennant.

"He believes we can do that and the players believe it too. Last season they did well and they want to do better this season."

Debut

Pennant could make his Stoke debut against Aston Villa on Monday night, and the former Birmingham man is expecting a less than friendly reception from the Midlands club's visiting supporters.

"It's going to be a tough game," he added. "I'm sure I'll get a bit of stick being an ex-Blues boy.

"I'm looking forward to it. Getting the abuse and the stick is what players fight for and it makes you do even better."