Tony Pulis believes it may be time for the nation to get behind John Terry.

The Chelsea skipper has become public enemy number 1 in recent weeks, following allegations he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge.

This has resulted in him being stripped of the England captaincy, whilst Bridge, now of Manchester City, is refusing to play alongside him for Fabio Capello’s side.

Stoke City manager Pulis, though, has suggested the episode now be fully closed as the World Cup looms, stating that Terry could yet become a national hero in the summer.

“We have ability in this country to build up people, shooting them down and then build them back up again,” he said. "If John and England win the World Cup, there will be a lot of people cheering.”