Ryan Shawcross hopeful of returning for Stoke City's West Bromwich Albion clash

Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is hopeful that he will return to action to face his former manager Tony Pulis against West Bromwich Albion this weekend.

The defender has been out of action for six games due to an inflamed disc, and despite joining Stoke under Pulis, the 27-year-old is determined to have one over on his old boss.

When asked by the Stoke Sentinel if he could play at The Hawthorns, Shawcross said: "I hope so, but it's up to the manager and how I train.

"Obviously Tony did a lot for me and I appreciate what he did for me in my career, but the most important thing is the three points and everything has to be put to the side because we are desperate to win."

The Potters are currently eighth in the Premier League table.