Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has ruled out a loan departure for Michael Owen.

Pulis is trying to arrange a game behind closed doors next week to give Owen much-needed match-fitness.

Pulis said: "There is absolutely no chance of Michael going out on loan.

"He needs game time but I didn't think it was right to bring him on against Palace on Tuesday.

"As a manager you have to make these decisions, irrespective of how big a name he is."