Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has thanked manager Mark Hughes for retaining him as the side's captain, but has played down the importance of wearing the armband.

The 25-year-old has skippered the club for a number of seasons now and is delighted to be leading out the Potters again come the new campaign.

"I've done it for a couple of years and enjoyed it, and it's an honour to do it," Shawcross told reporters.

"But it still doesn't guarantee anything. I've still got to work hard to get into the team. Captaincy isn't like other sports, though.

"I just lead the lads out, toss a coin and then try to lead by example. When it comes to game time, you want more than one leader."

Stoke start their season at Liverpool on August 17.

Written by
Matt Cotton