Stoke boss Tony Pulis does not regret allowing defender Matthew Upson to join Championship Brighton on loan despite a shortage of cover at the back. With Robert Huth banned for three games, Pulis will have to use either Marc Wilson or Geoff Cameron, both of whom usually play at full-back for Stoke, in central defence against West Ham this weekend.
"If I had had my way, Matty would have left 12 months earlier. There was an opportunity for him to leave (then) and he didn't go," Pulis said.
"Matty wanted to play football, he was absolutely desperate and is such a great pro.
"I have the greatest respect for Matty. He was fabulous at this football club and he had the opportunity of going to a club that have a chance of getting in the Premier League.
"We tried to get players in and it just didn't work."
