Jonathan Woodgate was delighted to make a winning debut for Stoke City at Hajduk Split.
Potters boss Tony Pulis said that Woodgate's injury issues would be dealt with by a mixture of good, old-fashioned honesty and "common sense."
The defender himself is on a pay-as-you-play deal. He will earn well if he plays. It is an arrangement that suits both.
"I enjoyed the Split game," said Woodgate, "I wanted the opportunity to play in the Barclays Premier League again and I'm very grateful to Stoke for giving me that.
"I had a few options but I spoke to the manager and he was keen to give it a go and so was I. And when someone believes in you, that's the key.
"I've now got 90 minutes under my belt. It's all good at the moment. But I will still have to see how I feel the morning after matches.
"I'm looking forward to the first game against Chelsea now. They don't come much bigger - but then I think I play better in the bigger matches."
