Pulis backs Beattie to keep Stoke up

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The 30-year-old striker ended days of speculation by putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal on Monday night to complete his move from Sheffield United.

Stoke boss Pulis told www.stokecityfc.co.uk: "James is a player who has an absolutely phenomenal goal-scoring record, and I am delighted to have him here. He has averaged more than a goal every other game for Sheffield and he has a proven record of scoring in the top flight."

Beattie, who could cost as much as £3.5million, is Pulis' second January signing following Matthew Etherington's move from West Ham last week and will be charged with improving Stoke's goal-scoring record - which currently reads 18 in 21 games.

He added: "He is someone I have admired for a very, very long time.

"We have signed two fantastic players in Matthew Etherington and James Beattie - but we are still looking for two or three more before the closure of the window."

Pulis will hope Beattie can rediscover the form and prolific scoring he demonstrated as a youngster at Southampton, which earned him five England caps.

A £6million move to Everton in 2005 was less successful and he moved on to Sheffield United for £4million at the start of last season after failing to hold down a regular starting spot at Goodison Park.

In contrast, his record at Bramall Lane was terrific, the former Blackburn trainee hitting 34 goals in 65 appearances, including 12 this season, to earn himself a return to the Premier League.

Chief executive Tony Scholes added: "We are absolutely delighted to have fought off competition from other top-flight clubs to secure James' signature. By signing a player like him, it shows how far this club has progressed."