Ryan Shotton isn't getting carried away after gushing praise from Stoke City boss Tony Pulis in preseason.

"It's brilliant when a manager says good things about you," defender Shotton told The Sentinel. "When it comes from your own manager, then it is an honour to be honest, especially for a young lad who's supported the club as a boy.

"I've been here since the age of nine and to do something like this would be a dream. I will just take every opportunity and do my best. I've always kept my head and just worked hard because I haven't achieved anything yet. This will never go to my head."

And he modestly talks down his chances of figuring from the start against Burnley by adding: "If he (Pulis) believes I've got enough experience, I will take that opportunity.

"But I'm not getting my hopes up. If I get my chance to travel with the squad or be on the bench, I will take that.

"I didn't even expect to be in this position. I came back this summer to work hard and maybe get out on loan. To be in this position and in with a chance of playing is amazing."