Stoke have received a boost with the news that an ankle injury sustained by record buy Kenwyne Jones is not as serious as first feared.

The Trinidad & Tobago star, an £8m signing from Sunderland, went down after a heavy challenge from Wolves defender Jody Craddock on the opening day of the season and early indications suggested the striker could be out for several weeks.

Jones left Molineux on crutches but a scan revealed minor ligament damage and he could even be available for the Potters next game against Tottenham.

Meanwhile, boss Tony Pulis has bolstered his striking options by recruiting John Walters from Ipswich Town.

Walters has been described by Pulis as the Championship’s most outstanding player over the last three years and he is confident the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland B international can make the step up to the Premier League.

The initial fee is around £2.75m which could rise to over £3m depending on appearances.

Walters will provide cover for the James Beattie, who departed for Glasgow giants Rangers last week.