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.
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