Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is convinced skipper Ryan Shawcross is destined for big things.

Pulis has consistently pushed Shawcross's England claims, and he has no doubt the Chester-born player deserves the long-term deal.

"Ryan has been immense for us," said Pulis. "I took him from Manchester United's third team and I remember him scoring on his debut at Cardiff - and he's improved ever since.

"Ryan has done brilliantly for us, but the club has also done brilliantly for him as well. We are more than happy to give Ryan that length of contract. He is loved to death by everyone here and he's such a big softie at times because he's such a big family man."