LAMBERT’S SHAW OF POTTERS’ PROGRESS

PAUL LAMBERT reckons Stoke’s new-found defensive backbone comes from his “Mr Ugly”.

Twenty-five of the 50 goals Stoke have leaked this season came in their eight games without Ryan Shawcross (right).

And, ahead of today’s Bournemouth clash, the Potters boss says his captain, 30, has been a big part of their revival.

City haven’t conceded under Lambert, keeping back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in 11 months. A shut-out today would be the first time they have kept three successive clean sheets in three years. “That’s a hell of a stat,” said Lambert. “All the ugly things you need from a defender, Ryan’s got in abundance. “At 30, his best years might be ahead of him. “He’s been excellent, is low maintenance and a good club captain.”