Barnes backs Fuller to progress

Fuller ended as Stoke's top scorer in the Premier League with 11 goals

Ricardo Fuller has been backed to build on a promising start to life in the Premier League with Stoke City by his former manager John Barnes.

Barnes was in charge of Jamaica between November 2008 and May 2009, before becoming the new manager of Tranmere.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "He's been fantastic for Stoke, he's a breath of fresh air and his goals have helped them stay in the Premier League.

"They will have just as good a chance this year of surviving."

Former England international Barnes added: "They will have the benefit of knowing that they have done it before.

"While everyone feels that the second year will be the hardest season, the fact that they stayed up and were competitive should give them a lot of confidence."

Stoke finished 12th in their debut campaign in the Premier League.