Praise for super-subs Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome after Newcastle win
The Sentinel
VICTORIOUS boss Tony Pulis saluted super-subs Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome for showing off the famous Stoke spirit during last night's dramatic win over Newcastle.
Pulis saw the pair combine for Stoke's late winner in a 2-1 victory which catapults them inside the top 10 of the Premier League for the first time this season.
He said their endeavours, after so long on the sidelines, typified the spirit underpinning the club's Premier League existence.
"They haven't played much this year, but their spirit and commitment to the group has been very good," said Pulis.
"The effort they put in for the team was there for everybody to see, and that spirit typified what we are.
"They are disappointed if they aren't playing, but they will do everything they can when they get a chance."
Pulis admitted the chips were down when Stoke struck the woodwork again and then saw Papiss Cisse cash in on a couple of blunders to sweep Newcastle in front two minutes after half-time.
"In the last three games we've hit the post and not had a break with the rebound coming back to us," he lamented.
"Then, when Asmir (Begovic) when spills it after being brilliant all season, you think it's not going to be your night."
Pulis praised the home crowd for staying behind his players ahead of Jerome crossing for a Jon Walters equaliser on 81 minutes and Jones heading down for Jerome to crash home an 85th-minute winner.
"I thought the crowd in the last half-an-hour was absolutely fantastic," he enthused. "We must never over-estimate the part our crowd plays.
"Even when we got our equaliser, the belief and spirit there left you thinking, 'We can go on and win this'."
Pulis laughed off any suggestion that his inspired substitutions were a brilliant masterstroke from the touchline.
He added: "When people say he's made the changes and he's brilliant, then why didn't I start with them? That's how brilliant I am.
"We did plan to inject some pace into the game, but the reason we won is because we are one team and not a bunch of individuals."
Striker Peter Crouch is doubtful for Saturday's trip to West Brom after losing two teeth in a collision with Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini.
Crouch was caught by a flailing arm late in the first half to leave him requiring probable dental work. He was replaced by Jones.
Pulis explained: "Peter wanted to carry on, until he saw his teeth in the doctor's hands… then he fainted!
"I know the doc had two in his hands and there was one stuck up the side of his jaw.
"I don't think there was any malice in the challenge though."
