Stoke City’s 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 Capital One 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 underwent surgery in August.
On his return the 28-year-old defender was involved in the passage of play which led to Chelsea’s Diego Costa being withdrawn, with the Brazil-born Spanish international suffering a blow to the ribs under challenge from both Shawcross and Charlie Adam.
Stoke have kept just two clean sheets in the 10 Premier League games since his injury. Now however their captain will be looking to tighten the defence and he is hopeful of being available for selection when his side travel to face Newcastle United on Saturday.
Speaking to the club’s website, Shawcross said: “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.
“I had a long road to recovery and it was something that was very difficult for me to deal with, but now that I am back I just want to play as many games as possible.
“The medical team have been brilliant and the surgeon was very, very good as well. I’m sure I’ll be available for selection again on Saturday for the Newcastle game but of course it is up to the manager and whether he decides to pick me.”
