Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has insisted that he has offered Michael Owen no guarantees of a place in his starting strikeforce.

Owen made his debut Stoke from the bench in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

Potters boss Pulis has reacted angrily to rumours that Owen was given assurances over appearances at the Britannia this season.

He told reporters: "I've read all sorts of stuff, and apparently he only signed for us because I guaranteed him he would start every time he was fit.

"We just don't work like that at this football club.

"If they found that was true, I would have to pack my bags and leave, if I had promised someone he was going to play every week."

Owen is in contention for his second Stoke appearance and his first start on Saturday as Stoke take on Chelsea.