Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is desperate to see Michael Owen's Potters career get started.

Former England hitman Owen, 32, signed as a free agent in September but has played just 53 minutes in four substitute appearances and misses today's game against Stoke with a hamstring injury.

Pulis admitted: "It's been frustrating him getting injured as otherwise he's physically in good order. He's hurt his hamstring but he might be able to play against West Ham next week.

"The problem is if it does go, Michael is so nervous about it being a long-term injury he's on tenterhooks.

"I don't think Michael would say it's psychological but he's protective - and rightly so. We're hoping when we do get him through that initial period that he'll remain fit.

Campaign "We knew this might be a stop-start campaign for him, especially at the beginning."

Owen is working on his posture in a bid to get over his injury worries.

Pulis added: "It's all about the alignment of his back and his spine, making sure everything's in place.

"We believe there's a lot of problems that you get in muscular injuries and the source is your spine not being in line."