Begovic and Pulis set for showdown over refusal to play

Pulis is reportedly furious (GETTY IMAGES)

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is facing showdown talks with manager Tony Pulis after refusing to play for the club.

Begovic, who arrived from Portsmouth last season, was due to be given a run-out against Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup, but it was Carlo Nash who lined up between the posts for the Potters.

Begovic has been linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium and Pulis revealed after the 2-1 win: "He said he did not want to play.

"I find that very disappointing. We pay his wages and he has a responsibility to the club. We have a lot of supporters who idolise this club and love it.

"We have a management team and people around who have been here a long time. They respect the club and like it as much as the supporters do. To do what he has done is totally disrespectful.

"Obviously people have been blowing in his ear. That goes on. I will have a chat with him."

Asked if Begovic's actions would push the player closer to the exit door, Pulis responded: "With our chairman (Peter Coates) it is less likely. I do not think Peter will be pushed around.

"We won't be giving him (Begovic) away and doing a deal because of what he has done. There has been interest from one or two clubs but nowhere near our valuation. We think he is a good goalkeeper and we want good players."

Stoke made the breakthrough in the 26th minute with Jon Walters' first goal for the club.

The former Ipswich forward, who arrived last week, was left frustrated on Saturday when he thought he had equalised against Tottenham in stoppage time only for referee Chris Foy to wave play on.

Eleven minutes later Tuncay added Stoke's second, both goals coming from headers, while Steve Leslie replied for the npower League Two side.

Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner said: "We were too cautious in the first half and afraid of what Premier League players might do.

"But we then pushed on and passed with more purpose. Overall the effort from my players was very pleasing."