Jonathan Woodgate could still have England future – Stoke City manager Tony Pulis

Woodgate signed a pay-as-you-play deal at the Britannia Stadium this summer following his release from Tottenham but has not played for England since 2008.

Pulis was quoted as saying by The Guardian: “What we will have to accept Woodgate’s injuries, and we’ve done it with players like Matty Etherington and Ricardo Fuller, who have a history of injuries, is manage them through the week.

“They get paid for playing on a weekend and if we can get them through the games and manage them through the week, that’s what we’re going to have to do.

“I think our medical team are first class, they have a system of working that might be different to other clubs but it works for us.

“I’m obviously desperate to get him playing Premier League games because I think if we get him fit then we’ve got one of the best centre-halves in the league.

“He’s got an opportunity and a chance to play on a regular basis. If he does well he could even get called up for England again.”

Pulis has been keen to add to his squad ahead of Stoke’s first European campaign in 37 years and is excited at the prospect of playing in the competition at the Britannia Stadium.

He continued: “To have the opportunity of playing a European game at the Britannia against such a famous side as Hajduk Split is first class.

“The place will be rocking.”