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| Ryan Shawcross has returned from five months out of action for Stoke |
STOKE manager Mark Hughes is delighted to have captain and defensive strongman Ryan Shawcross back in his plans.
Shawcross returned from five months out of action with a back problem to help Stoke knock Chelsea out of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
The 28-year-old came through 120 minutes unscathed before Stoke went on to progress on penalties.
And Hughes admits his return is a real bonus ahead of Saturday’s trip to struggling Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
“Ryan Shawcross looked fine, which was pleasing,” said Hughes.
“It was a huge test for him given that he had been out for a couple of months, but he came through the game and showed his qualities, both in terms of play and ability as well as leadership.
“I don’t think we ever envisaged him having to come through 120 minutes on his first game back but he managed to get through it and he actually looked fine when he reported back this morning.
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| Mark Hughes believes Shawcross' return is a bonus after knocking Chelsea out of Capital One Cup |
“Hopefully, he will be available for us on Saturday. It was a huge lift for us all to see him back out there on Tuesday night.”
Less good news for Hughes is that defender Marc Muniesa will be out of action for around a month after suffering a hamstring tear against Chelsea.
Geoff Cameron is also out but as well as the return of Shawcross, Hughes will also have Glen Johnson and Erik Pieters back for the trip to Tyneside.
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