Fuller and the double Olympic sprint champion and world record holder are good friends and meet up for nights out when they are at home in Jamaica.

Fuller said: "We've known each other since high school. He's my dancing partner, but I have to say he is a far better dancer than me. We have great fun and watching him at the Olympics in the past week has made me a happy man.

"To become the fastest man in the world and break both records is phenomenal. It is fantastic for our country and I'm very pleased for him. I know how hard he works at his athletics and he's earned it.

"I would have to score the winning goal in a Champions League final for Stoke to make me feel as good as he does right now."

Fuller revealed he and Bolt both love going home to relax.

He said: "It's not like England where people like David Beckham get swamped if they go out. People in Jamaica are happy to see you do well, but they also give you space and keep themselves to themselves.

"Me and Usain also like to go to cricket matches and we met up with Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose to watch the West Indies play Australia at Sabina Park in May. West Indies matches are like parties and we like to party.

"He's not very good at football, but it might be an idea to have him shadow (Gabriel) Agbonlahor."

Fuller's last spell in the Premier League at Portsmouth was hampered by injury, but he does not believe he has anything to prove to pundits who have suggested he could not cut the mustard at the top level.

The 28-year-old, who scored Stoke's last-minute consolation goal at Bolton, said: "I had a bad season with injuries at Portsmouth and that held back my progress.

"I don't have anything to prove to anybody. I will just continue to be myself and do the best I can. I know what I can do and now is the time to show it. "

Fuller, who suffered a badly bruised knee playing for Jamaica in the summer, and Stoke's star winger Liam Lawrence, who had a hernia operation, were both used as substitutes at Bolton.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis was considering whether to start either or both of them tomorrow, but he said: "Liam is ahead of Ric in terms of fitness levels and Ric is a player you wouldn't want to risk.

"He will say he is fit and raring to go, but we've got a long season ahead of us and I have to weigh everything up."

In the wake of last week's defeat, publicity conscious bookmakers Betfred paid out on punters who had gambled on Stoke being relegated.

But Pulis is convinced Stoke's home games and the fervent support they receive at the Britannia Stadium can be the key to their survival.

He added: "Home games this season will be fantastic occasions and the atmosphere will be unique. People who haven't been here will be taken aback and it's a big factor in our favour.

"Our supporters know we are going to be underdogs and they will really get behind the team. The support they gave us from Christmas until the end of the season played a massive part in getting us promoted."

Pulis insisted his team would not fear Villa, but he added: "Of course we will respect them. Martin O'Neill is a top, top manager and has built a smashing team.

"Everywhere Martin has been he has been very successful. Either him or Mark Hughes would have been my selection to succeed Steve McLaren as England manager."

ends