Soccer:Ireland's Marc Wilson said that he had no hesitation in moving from Portsmouth to Stoke City after speaking with Potters manager Tony Pulis.
“I was impressed with what Tony had to say from the start,” said Wilson. "He was very positive and it didn't take me long to make my mind up.”
Republic of Ireland international Liam Lawrence, together with Paul Kitson, moved from Stoke to Portsmouth as part of the deal. Lawrence is currently in Yerevan with Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland squad as they prepare to play Armenia on Friday (4pm Irish time).
Wilson has yet to be capped at senior level for Ireland but was an unused substitute for the friendly against Brazil in March and the promise of regular Premier League football is sure to enhance his international prospects.
The versatile 23-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, said that playing in England’s top flight was foremost in his thoughts.
“I had a taste of the Premier League last season and I wanted to get back there as soon as possible,” he said. “This is a great club and I couldn't wait to come back to the Premier League because it is every player's ambition to be in the top flight.
“Leaving Portsmouth was difficult because I've been there for so long, but I wish them well and my aim now is to do my best for Stoke.”
Wilson was one of three deadline day signings for Stoke with Eidur Gudjohnsen coming in on a one-year permanent deal and ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant joining on a six-month loan from Spanish side Real Zaragoza. Kenwyne Jones was signed earlier in the summer for a club record fee of €9.5million