Stoke boss Tony Pulis is convinced Eidur Gudjohnsen still has a role to play for the club this season despite a less than impressive start to life with the Potters. Gudjohnsen joined from Monaco on a one-year deal at the end of the summer transfer window but has struggled to make an impact at the Britannia Stadium.
The former Chelsea and Barcelona forward is yet to start a game for Stoke and has made only four substitute appearances in the Barclays Premier League so far this term.
Asked if he was disappointed with the way things had gone with Gudjohnsen since the Iceland international's arrival at Stoke, Pulis said: "Not really. Eidur joined us as fit as the rest of the players.
"He had not done a pre-season and there has been a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes. He needs time and I still think he'll play a part in this season."
Pulis pointed to the form of Stoke's other attacking players as a major factor in Gudjohnsen's lack of action.
"He (Gudjohnsen) has been fantastic, smashing," Pulis said.
"He is good around the place and good with the other players, but Ricardo Fuller has done exceptionally well, so has Kenwyne Jones and Tuncay, and Jon Walters has done better than anyone else would have imagined.
"Eidur has had competition and that is what you have got to accept. You've got to have it at Premier League clubs.
"If they weren't doing it, then obviously there would be a better chance for Eidur to come into the team and play, but the lads have been given their chance and they have taken it.
"He needs a run of games and a chance in the team, a bit like Begovic. Asmir was disappointed he never got a chance early on, but he got his chance, he has stayed in the team and it is his slot now to lose."
