TONY PULIS has stressed once again the importance of having three experienced goalkeepers in his squad after welcoming back Carlo Nash.

The 36-year-old former Manchester City and Preston 'keeper linked up with the Stoke City squad at their Austrian training camp on Monday evening with a view to signing a 12-month agreement that will bring him back to the Britannia Stadium.

Nash would provide cover for Thomas Sorensen and Asmir Begovic following the departure of Steve Simonsen on a free transfer to Sheffield United.

His arrival may have led to some speculation about the future of Sorensen, but Pulis was quick to point out that he needs three goalkeepers, one he also underlined back in January when swooping to sign Begovic from Portsmouth for £3.25 million.

"I've said all along that we need three goalkeepers, and three goalkeepers is what we will now have once Carlo signs for us," said City'smanager.

"Thomas is very much one of those three as far as I'm concerned because of the quality and experience he gives us - and has given us for the past two years."

Nash flew from Everton's pre-season tour of Australia to join up with the City Squad in Austria and Pulis was delighted to welcome him on board.

Carlo knows us and we know him," added Pulis. "He is a top goalkeeper who did a fantastic job for this Football Club during the promotion winning season.

"He was out of contract at Everton, and he is at that age now where he is happyto be third choice for us. I know if he is called upon, he will do a fantastic job.

"He has a great attitude and I am delighted he is here with us. He may be a little bit jet-lagged because he has travelled from Australia, so I may have to take it easy on him in training - but not too much because I know how enthusiastic he is."