Stoke boss Tony Pulis has promised retiring Michael Owen a send-off on Sunday in his final game before retirement. The 33-year-old has scored just once for the Potters, previously scoring 158 goals in 297 matches for Liverpool, and 40 in 89 games for England.

"He has been fantastic around the place. He has been a really, really good lad," said Pulis.

"He's not had the playing time he's wanted, and I know he has been disappointed with that.

"But he's been good around the place, very supportive of the players who have enjoyed his company.

"He has certainly got a lot closer to them as the season has gone on, and that has been nice to see, him blossom within the group.

"I know people have been talking about Beckham and his career, well, Michael's career has been absolutely outstanding.

"A lot of people will say Michael had a career as good as Beckham's in lots of respects.

"So there will be a send-off for him at Southampton on Sunday for what has been an absolutely wonderful career.

"As to whether he'll play, I'll be telling him first before anybody else."