Stoke City boss Tony Pulis insists he's easing in Michael Owen after giving him a start in their FA Cup draw with Crystal Palace.

The 33-year-old striker reprised his old England partnership with Peter Crouch, but the once dynamic duo barely had a sniff of goal.

"We were always going to give Michael until just after half-time and then bring him off," said Pulis.

"He needs more games, and you could see that. But we are really pleased he got through it without any problems."