Stoke boss Pulis defends Olofinjana signing

LONDON (AFP) - Nigeria midfielder Seyi Olofinjana joined Premier League newcomers Stoke City on Saturday for three million pounds (six million dollars) on Saturday.

The 28-year-old, who has joined on a four-year deal from Wolves, arrives at the Britannia Stadium just days after manager Tony Pulis paid a club record 5.5 million pounds for former Reading striker Dave Kitson.

But Pulis was adamant Olofinjana would be well worth the money, telling the club's official website, www.stokecityfc.co.uk: "Seyi is a great acquisition for this football club and I am delighted he chose to join us ahead of several other top-flight clubs.

"He is a player we think will enhance the squad and again it shows our ambitions to be competitive in the Premier League."

Pulis's view was backed up by Wolves boss Mick McCarthy: "He's a Premier League player and if he gets the opportunity he'll go on.

"Everyone I've spoken to, I've said 'take him' because if I was a Premier League manager I'd sign him. He's that good."

Former Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy added: "He'll probably be even better in the Premier League than he was in the Championship."