The signing of Republic of Ireland fringe player Liam Lawrence gives Stoke City every opportunity of securing Premiership promotion, club manager Tony Pulis believes.
Lawrence had been on loan at the club since November but made the move permanent yesterday following a £500,000 switch from Roy Keane's Sunderland.
That fee could rise to £650,000 depending on player and team performances.
Pulis says the former Mansfield man (25) can provide the goals from midfield to take the Potters to the Premiership.
He said: "Liam has shown his eye for a goal after a couple in his first eight appearances for us.
"I'm sure he can chip in with a few more from midfield, while his overall contribution makes him a potentially vital cog in the wheel if we are serious about doing something this season.
"He's now got his sharpness back after a regular run in the side and I don't think anyone can question his work-rate."
Lawrence - named in Republic of Ireland squads under Steven Staunton but yet to play - has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with a club he feels has "everything in place to get promoted".
"I'm delighted it's all done and dusted now and I can finally look forward to being a Stoke player," he said.
"It began as a loan move where I could play some football and show what I can do. I'm really enjoying it and the team is doing really well so to sign for good is the icing on the cake."
Lawrence was a regular fixture in Sunderland teams under former manager Mick McCarthy. He agreed a new four year contract with the Wearsiders in August only to find himself out of favour under Keane.
Stoke sit seventh in the Championship table, level on points with West Bromwich Albion and Colchester who occupy the last two play-off spots.
But both Pulis and Lawrence will not settle for the play-offs, lurking as they do just 10 points off leaders Birmingham with almost half the season still to play.
• Sheffield United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny will be out for three weeks with a groin injury sustained in the win over Arsenal last weekend. "Paddy has had his scan and there's good news," said club manager Neil Warnock. "There's no tear, it's a strain, and he's going to be out for two to three weeks."
