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Kenwyne JonesJohn Terry has called him the most difficult opponent he has ever faced in the Premier League, while Steve Bruce branded him inconsistent and a frustrating, unfulfilled talent.

Welcome to the unpredictable world of Kenwyne Jones.

Not many strikers currently operating in the top flight continue to polarise such opinion as the giant Trinidad & Tobago international.

And Tony Pulis, the Stoke manager, is already acutely aware that he possesses a player who will force him to throw his trademark baseball cap to the floor in disgust many times this season.

Don't forget, Jones has been courted in the past by the likes of Liverpool and Spurs, among others. Even Terry is believed to have given a glowing recommendation to the Chelsea hierarchy after one particularly testing duel.

But Bruce could not wait to send the 25-year-old packing this summer, agreeing to push him through the Stadium of Light exit door after finally running out of patience.

Pulis is the latest brave soul to take on the enigma, forking out a club record £8 million to recruit him at Stoke and, in their victory over Aston Villa, the club's fans witnessed verything that is brilliant and teeth-gnashingly infuriating about him.

For large portions of the first half he was virtually unplayable, undertaking a private contest between himself and Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Then, for most of the second period, nothing. While he was not exactly anonymous, he had nothing like the influence he had enjoyed in the first.

Ten minutes from time, however, he rose to claw Stoke back into the game with the goal that ultimately gave his side the belief that they could secure their first victory of the season.

It was still a devastating reminder of what Jones can offer to Stoke. He will benefit the rest of the team too.

Just when you thought Rory Delap's infamous exocet missiles from the touchlines had now been rendered largely ineffective by opposing defences, Jones's arrival has ensured that this particular Potters' weapon remains as potent as ever.

With the likes of Matty Etherington and Jermaine Pennant operating on the flanks Jones will be guaranteed chances this season. He is refusing to publicly reveal his targets for the season but he should be aiming for 15 goals minimum.

Pulis just needs to man-manage him correctly. He has established a reputation for taming wayward players in the past and Jones will undoubtedly present a challenge. It promises to be quite an exciting ride, though.