Mark Hughes cannot contain his excitement ahead of the return of his star defender Ryan Shawcross.

Shawcross missed the start of the campaign due to a serious back injury but as a huge boost, the defender made a strong return after guiding the Potters to a fine victory over Chelsea in the midweek Capital One Cup encounter.

“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.

“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."