Instead, the controversial midfielder will be in the opposing line-up at the Britannia Stadium after his move to the R's from Newcastle late in the transfer window. Pulis likes to build a side around strong personalities, even if the player has been controversial in the past, and he would have relished having Barton at his disposal. "He would have come with a bit of baggage, yeah, but I might have enjoyed that," said Pulis. "I spoke to him and he came over as a lovely lad. I don't know him personally but having had a chat with him he came over as quite a sincere fella and completely different to what his persona is. "But it wasn't to be. He's done great with QPR and no one should be surprised because he is a top player." Stoke are looking to bounce back from four straight defeats before the international break, and Pulis is hoping the break has helped his side. He added: "I'm more sympathetic now towards the players than when I was after the 5-0 defeat at Bolton. "I was tired, the third time in six days, never mind the players."
