Beattie: I'm sorry boss

Stoke striker James Beattie has apologised to manager Tony Pulis after an alleged dressing-room bust-up, it is understood.

The pair had a heated exchange following the 2-0 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The disagreement centred on the players' Christmas party in London over the weekend with claims that Pulis changed plans following the Arsenal defeat and insisted the team trained rather that have Monday off.

Training went ahead as scheduled - with Beattie going to the gym as he has an on-going knee problem- and a team meeting called between players and management.

It was during this meeting that Beattie apparently said sorry to Pulis for the way he reacted. He is now expected to be in the squad against Wigan on Saturday.

The only official word on the row has come from Stoke chairman Peter Coates, who said: "As far as the club is concerned, this is an internal matter and will be dealt with internally."

Beattie came off the bench in the second half against Arsenal and has failed to start a Barclays Premier League match for the club since the 1-0 victory over Portsmouth last month

Pulis signed the former England striker from Sheffield United for £3.5million in last season's January transfer window and his seven goals in 16 games were instrumental in helping Stoke to finish 12th in their debut Premier League campaign.

But fitness problems have impeded his impact this term and the former Southampton and Everton forward has netted just twice in 15 appearances.