Tony Pulis has said that £6m summer signing Wilson Palacios is still 'not fit enough' to play for Stoke City.

The 29-year-old has started just seven games this season, and Pulis says that the Honduras international still hasn't recovered from knee surgery that took place 12 months ago.

"He's getting closer to being right, but he hasn't been strong enough to get through games, and there's always that worry that if he's not fit enough the injury will flare up again," Pulis said.

"He can only do a certain amount. We can only take him to certain levels and because he's not strong enough physically yet he gets close to where it might break down.

"The close-season will be important in building up his strength on his own before he comes back for pre-season. Next season, we will witness the best of him."

Stoke are currently 12th in the Premier League with 38 points from 30 games.