Stoke manager Tony Pulis has confirmed new-boy Eidur Gudjohnsen will feature against Aston Villa.
The 31-year-old joined the Potters on a one-year deal on transfer deadline day but there had been doubts over the Iceland international’s fitness.
Gudjohnsen had missed pre-season and it had been suggested that he would have to wait a little longer to make his Stoke bow.
However, Pulis has admitted the former Chelsea and Tottenham man could play some part against Villa on September 13.
The Potters boss told the club’s official website: “Although Eidur has a bit of catching up to do, he is a fantastic professional.
“You have to be to play at the highest level and enjoy the success he has achieved.
“It will depend on the amount of work we can do with him which will determine whether he starts the Villa match or whether we put him on the bench.”