Stoke boss Tony Pulis admits some players are becoming annoyed at their lack of first-team action. Midfielder Glenn Whelan began to question his long-term future at the club on Tuesday after making just three Barclays Premier League starts this season while Michael Tonge and Danny Pugh have just joined Preston on loan having found opportunities limited.
Pulis understands the frustrations but stressed he does not want to let Whelan go, while he also dismissed suggestions Eidur Gudjohnsen was set for a loan spell at Reading having had fitness issues since arriving in August.
"We have just let Michael Tonge and Danny Pugh go out on loan to Preston because they are desperate to play," he said.
"Players want to play games and you have to understand and recognise that.
"It is very difficult for players to be sat on the sidelines week in, week out.
"Glenn has played a great part at this football club and we don't want him to go.
"I understand the situation he is in and the way he is feeling - that is really the right way to be."
And on rumours of Gudjohnsen heading to the npower Championship for a brief loan spell, Pulis added: "It's the first I've heard of it."
But irrespective of players' feelings Pulis will continue to stick by the managerial philosophy which he has used throughout his career.
"I'll pick the team that I think will win at West Brom, irrespective of whether I prick a couple of players and they are not too happy with it," he added.
"If I feel it is right then I will do it."
