Winner will boost Fuller - Pulis

Fuller is mobbed by his team-mates after his winner against Portsmouth

Ricardo Fuller will be more confident following his winning goal against Portsmouth on Sunday, according to Stoke City manager Tony Pulis.

The Jamaica international netted for the first time in the Premier League this season in a 1-0 win.

Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "In the last two games he's looked like he's been lacking in confidence.

"That's not Ric. He's usually full of confidence and full of life, so it was nice to see him score."

He continued: "It was a good move, with four or five great passes and a great finish."

Fuller, who was Stoke's top scorer in 2008/09 with 11 goals, had only netted once in the Carling Cup this season before scoring against his former club at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke were also indebted to goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who saved an early penalty from Kevin-Prince Boateng.

"We pay Thomas decent money, so we expect him to make a save like that every now and again," added Pulis.

The victory took Stoke back up to ninth in the Premier League, just three points behind Aston Villa in fifth.

The Potters go to Blackburn on Saturday, looking for their second away win in the Premier League this season.