by Martin Spinks
martin.spinks@thesentinel.co.uk

STOKE CITY chairman Peter Coates is backing manager Tony Pulis to get the best out of Tuncay – but says he understands the player’s disappointment at being substituted at Hull City.

The 27-year-old headed straight down the tunnel after being been sacrificed so that Stoke could bring on a defender in the wake of Abdoulaye Faye’s 87th-minute red card.

The incident, the major talking point after Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat, sparked speculation about Tuncay’s Stoke future.

The Turkey captain has yet to start a Premier League game since signing from Middlesbrough for £5m on August 27.

However, Coates says Tuncay, who has a three-year contract, is a part of the manager’s long-term plans.

He said: “He wants to play, like every other player wants to play, but these things happen.

“I am sure he will be fine. We are very pleased to have him at the club, and I am sure Tony will find the right role for him and he will be a good player for us.

“It is competitive and everyone has to earn their place. He is no different to anyone else in that respect.

“It was unfortunate for him to go on and then come off so soon after, and he is bound to be disappointed.

“But you have to go forward and it is up to us to manage the situation well.

“Sometimes things take longer than people want, and I know our supporters are anxious. But we just want to win football matches.

“Tony tries to pick the best team to win him any particular game and he will make substitutions for the same reason.”

Meanwhile, the Stoke chairman believes Ryan Shawcross will get even better
after signing a new four-and-a-half year contract with the club.

The 22-year-old centre-half put pen to paper yesterday, despite reports of interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham.

Coates says Shawcross has proved a superb signing, having arrived from United in January 2008 for £1m – a figure that could rise to £2m after appearances.

Coates said: “I know Ryan has enjoyed it and likes this football club.

“He has done fantastically well for us and is an excellent professional who works very hard at his game. He is all you could want.

“The club has also been fantastic for his career. He’s now in his second season and has become an established Premier League player...and is a very
young man.”

“Normally centre backs tend to be getting a little bit older before they get anything like their best.”