Stoke City chief John Rudge says they're delighted with Wilson Palacios' form in training.

Rudge said the club were always confident Palacios would get over his knee problem.

However, he says they have been determined not to rush him into action. Rudge explained to The Sentinel: "When we bought Wilson he had a little problem with his knee. We knew about that so knew he had to work on it and get up to speed.

"Also, he has had to get his fitness levels up because he missed pre-season. Every player who misses pre-season finds it a little bit difficult to get over that.

"But Wilson is making good progress. He is playing games and working hard, so we are hoping he can get himself in contention and be fit enough for the team when the manager decides he is ready.

"There is plenty of time to come. We have to get him really fit so he can produce what we know he can do."