Source: SKY_Sports
Pulis hopeful on Shawcross
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is hoping to have Ryan Shawcross available for the Potters' next outing.[LNB] The commanding centre-half has enjoyed an eye-catching debut season in the Premier League and has been a major contributor in the club's battle to avoid the drop.[LNB]His presence would therefore be very welcome in a crunch clash with fellow strugglers West Brom on Saturday.[LNB]Shawcross was forced to withdraw from England U21 duty this week after undergoing treatment on a knee problem, but Pulis believes that decision was beneficial to all concerned. [LNB]"Ryan is on a programme of sugar injections in his knee and it just so happened he was having one as pre-arranged last Tuesday," Pulis told The Sentinel.[LNB]"Unfortunately, he felt really sore after the injection, which isn't surprising when you think the needle goes right into the joint.[LNB]"I spoke with Stuart (Pearce) about it and we agreed that Ryan shouldn't travel to Norway for the friendly, but should come back to us.[LNB]"I have to say Stuart has been brilliant about it, really understanding and appreciating what is best for Ryan. He'd also got quite a few centre-halves in his squad, so it wasn't clear just how much football Ryan would get anyway."[LNB]BenefitShawcross requires a course of injections at present to help his 21-year-old body cope with a flurry of growth spurts.[LNB]"He has a sugar solution injected into him once or twice a month," Pulis explained. [LNB]"It apparently tightens up the ligaments and cartilage in your joints to make them stronger. [LNB]"Ryan certainly seems to be feeling the benefit, so I'm happy to go along with the experts for as long as they think it will help him.[LNB]"We'll go steady with him this coming week and see how he is feeling ahead of the Albion game, but we're hopeful he'll be OK.[LNB]"We certainly need each and every player in there punching their weight because the gloves are off now with just eight games to go."[LNB]
