Shawcross thrilled to be back

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross wants to play as many games as he can after returning from a long-term injury for his first appearance of the season in Tuesday’s win against Chelsea in the League Cup.

Shawcross, who played the entire 120 minutes before the Potters won on penalties on Tuesday, suffered a recurrence of a back problem that troubled him last season and went under the knife in August.

Stoke have kept just two clean sheets in the 10 Premier League games and their influential skipper, who will be looking to tighten the defence, has made himself available for selection when they travel to face Newcastle United on Saturday.

“It’s just great to be back after such a long time out - it’s been a frustrating time so it feels nice to be back out there on the pitch,” the 28-year-old Shawcross told the club’s website.