Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is excited by the potential of young goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Pulis admits missing out on Portsmouth keeper David James in January did not worry him as he reckons Begovic is heading for the top despite a baptism of fire at Chelsea last Sunday.

Pulis revealed Begovic, 22, was his first target before he tried to sign James, 39.

Begovic looked to be heading for Spurs but when that move did not happen Pulis came back in for the Bosnian.

He said: "We wanted Begovic and were told he wasn't available but then things changed and I'm delighted we got him."

The £3.25m signing let in five goals in the 7-0 loss at Chelsea as he came on for Thomas Sorensen, who suffered a dislocated elbow.

But Pulis said: "He's going to be a top keeper. He'll make mistakes like all young keepers do and need to get taken out of the firing line at times.

"But he's desperate to play. Now he's got a great chance to show he can be the No 1 next season."