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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2008 9:50:14 GMT
Young Stoke star Ryan Shawcross is desperate to help the Potters win promotion to the Premier League - but has no hard feelings about being relegated to the subs' bench for their last two games.The 20-year-old, a regular in the side before the loan signing of Chris Riggott two weeks ago, has been rested by City boss Tony Pulis for the games against Burnley and Norwich.
And he could miss out again on Saturday at Watford as fellow centre-half Leon Cort is expected to recover from the sore calf sustained in helping Stoke beat Norwich 1-0 on Tuesday.
Shawcross doesn't believe he needs a rest, but has no complaints about the manager's verdict as he has blossomed under Pulis's tutelage this season.
He said: "Obviously I am disappointed. I am happiest when I'm playing, but every footballer gets dropped. Now I have to push Leon Cort and Chris Riggott as hard as I can.
"The manager said I needed a rest. I didn't agree, but it is up to him. I feel fresh, but he knows what is best for me.
"My development this season has been massive ... and that is down to the manager, the coaching staff and the fitness coach."
Pulis has been given the backing to build a stronger squad this season - and that was illustrated by a subs' bench at Carrow Road comprising the quality of Shawcross, Ricardo Fuller, Steve Simonsen, Paul Gallagher and Andy Wilkinson.
Shawcross says the greater strength in depth can only improve individual performances. He explained: "There are more players and better quality players here now. That makes the squad better, and that is better for Stoke City.
"He has left me, Steve Simonsen, Ricardo Fuller and Richard Cresswell out, which just shows we have to keep on our toes. We can't afford to drop even 10 per cent."
Shawcross, left, made a late substitute appearance at Norwich to help Stoke hang on to their 1-0 lead and move within a point of Championship leaders Bristol City.
They received a further boost last night when fourth-placed West Brom, four points behind Stoke but with two games in hand, could only draw 1-1 with Crystal Palace.
Shawcross added: "It was a massive win for us at Norwich. It was a scrappy game, but one of those you need to win to get to the Premier League."
Shawcross was also delighted Stoke's winner came from Mama Sidibe.
The goal was only the Mali international's second of the season, but Shawcross says he is a huge influence on the side.
He added: "Mama is our main player. Without him we are not the same team.
"Ricky has been getting the praise for his goals, but Mama is very highly thought of by all the players."
Sidibe is an early doubt for the Watford game after tweaking a hamstring at Norwich.
However, assistant manager Dave Kemp is hopeful about Cort's chances of playing.
He said: "Leon has every chance - he doesn't seem too bad. But Mama is a bit sore, so we will have to monitor that over the next couple of days."
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Post by eddyclamp on Mar 13, 2008 10:13:41 GMT
PJ
Can you change that avatar,it`s just taken me 20 minutes to read that post.
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Post by SegaMegaDave on Mar 13, 2008 10:32:28 GMT
;D ;D
what ever you do DON'T change it
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2008 10:43:15 GMT
;D
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