Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross hailed their victory over Manchester City yesterday.

The former Manchester United trainee was named best afield and said: "After going down to 10 men we had to hold on.

"It was definitely hard work, some of the Manchester City players are world-class players so we had to hold tight. But we did well.

"Hopefully this will kick start our season."

It was Stoke's sixth home league win of the season, but their first since November and Shawcross hopes it will signal a change of fortunes for them at the Britannia Stadium.

"It has been fortress so far this season, (it was) great to pick up the points here again."

The win sees Stoke City out of the relegation zone, ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures, and Shawcross admits it is a huge relief.

"It's a big confidence boost," he added.