Pulis' Split decision with Woodgate

The latest chapter in Jonathan Woodgate's up-and-down career could begin tonight when Stoke play their first European match in 37 years against Hajduk Split.

Potters boss Tony Pulis is weighing up whether to throw his lone summer signing into the fray when the Croatian giants visit the Britannia Stadium for the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round tie.

Woodgate left Tottenham this summer after a three-and-a-half-year spell that began very promisingly but headed rapidly downhill when the central defender succumbed to a groin injury in November 2009.

He has played only one first-team game since, as a substitute in Spurs' Champions League victory over AC Milan in February, before a hip problem curtailed his comeback.

The 31-year-old has been battling to regain full fitness following his move to Stoke, but he played an hour of a pre-season friendly against Aldershot at the weekend and Pulis has been impressed by the former England man.

"He's been first class," said Pulis. "Whether we take a chance and play him, we'll have to wait and see, but he's close."