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got injuried later in the game.
Striker in fitness battle for United clash
Stoke City, 12:16, September 23, 2009
Ricardo Fuller is doubtful for Saturday's game against Manchester United after being injured in Stoke's Carling Cup win over Blackpool.
Fuller played his full part in the Potters' amazing third round win on Tuesday night as Tony Pulis' side came from two goals down to clinch victory thanks to unlikely hero Andy Griffin's
last-minute goal.
But the win came at a price as Fuller hobbled off near the end of the game with a groin injury and the striker is already struggling to be fit for the visit of the champions United to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
Pulis admitted: "He's hurt his groin and he'll have a scan to discover the extent of the damage. We hope we can settle it down in time for the United game, but it's a big worry for us.
"He's a massive player for us, especially at home, and we need him to play. Yes, it's a little bit of a concern."
But Fuller's injury couldn't overshadow a fantastic victory as Stoke came from behind thanks to goals from Matthew Etherington, Danny Higginbotham, Fuller and Griffin.
"We are very pleased," added Pulis. "It was a poor first half when I thought we were very sluggish, but we got one or two things sorted at half-time and they went out there thinking we'll give it a right bash.
"Then we conceded a second goal and were right up against it, but the crowd were fantastic and they got a great response from the players.
"We missed loads of chances and could have scored six or seven in the second half.
"I didn't want extra-time, especially with 10 men, so we pushed the full-backs on to try to win the game in 90 minutes.
"I still fancied us with 10 men because we were creating so many opportunities, and fortunately Griff comes up with a smashing goal.
"The game should have been over by then, but it was a fantastic goal.
"Full credit to Blackpool as well because I thought they played very well."
Striker in fitness battle for United clash
Stoke City, 12:16, September 23, 2009
Ricardo Fuller is doubtful for Saturday's game against Manchester United after being injured in Stoke's Carling Cup win over Blackpool.
Fuller played his full part in the Potters' amazing third round win on Tuesday night as Tony Pulis' side came from two goals down to clinch victory thanks to unlikely hero Andy Griffin's
last-minute goal. But the win came at a price as Fuller hobbled off near the end of the game with a groin injury and the striker is already struggling to be fit for the visit of the champions United to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
Pulis admitted: "He's hurt his groin and he'll have a scan to discover the extent of the damage. We hope we can settle it down in time for the United game, but it's a big worry for us.
"He's a massive player for us, especially at home, and we need him to play. Yes, it's a little bit of a concern."
But Fuller's injury couldn't overshadow a fantastic victory as Stoke came from behind thanks to goals from Matthew Etherington, Danny Higginbotham
, Fuller and Griffin."We are very pleased," added Pulis. "It was a poor first half when I thought we were very sluggish, but we got one or two things sorted at half-time and they went out there thinking we'll give it a right bash.
"Then we conceded a second goal and were right up against it, but the crowd were fantastic and they got a great response from the players.
"We missed loads of chances and could have scored six or seven in the second half.
"I didn't want extra-time, especially with 10 men, so we pushed the full-backs on to try to win the game in 90 minutes.
"I still fancied us with 10 men because we were creating so many opportunities, and fortunately Griff comes up with a smashing goal.
"The game should have been over by then, but it was a fantastic goal.
"Full credit to Blackpool as well because I thought they played very well."
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