Stoke City boss Tony Pulis says he aims to send Ryan Shotton away on-loan.

Pulis wants to keep the Academy graduate close at hand for the busy festive schedule ahead but if he fails to gain game time, the Stoke boss is prepared to let him go out on loan again.

Pulis told The Sentinel: "He still needs more games so he'll be one of those we will be looking to get out on loan if he's not near the team over Christmas.

"For the moment he's staying put because we need all hands on deck with four league games in 10 days coming up.

"That's why Michael Tonge and Danny Pugh will be coming back when their month on loan at Preston is up next week."