Stoke City hero Denis Smith has urged fans to be patient with Tuncay Sanli.

The Turkey captain is desperate for his Stoke career to catch fire, but Smith understands the thinking of manager Tony Pulis.

Ex-Sunderland boss Smith said: "Be patient. I understand people want to see a player of Tuncay's ability ASAP and he's impressed me as a substitute but it's noticeable how many of his runs and touches were not read by his colleagues. It takes times for these things to click."