Last Updated: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:28
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has played down talk of a rift between boss Tony Pulis and midfielder Tuncay after an alleged bust-up.
Pulis introduced Tuncay as a second half substitute in the Potters' 2-1 loss to Hull City at the weekend but the former Middlesbrough midfielder was on the pitch for just six minutes before being taken off following Abdoulaye Faye's dismissal.
The Turkish midfielder marched straight down the tunnel and into the dressing room after his substitution, with Coates claiming there is no problem between the £5million summer signing and Pulis.
"He wants to play, like every other player wants to play, but these things happen,'' said Coates. "I am sure he will be fine. It is competitive and everyone has to earn their place. He is no different to anyone else in that respect.
"It was unfortunate for him to go on and then come off so soon after and he is bound to be disappointed. But you have to go forward and it is up to us to manage the situation well.''
Coates insisted the player does have a future at the club and believes Pulis is just trying to find the best way to fit Tuncay into his Stoke line-up.
He added: "We are very pleased to have him at the club and I am sure Tony will find the right role for him and he will be a good player for us,'
"Sometimes things take longer than people want and I know our supporters are anxious. But we just want to win football matches.
"Tony tries to pick the best team to win him any particular game and he will make substitutions for the same reason.''