Shawcross eyes Stoke captaincy in Faye's absence

Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross has put his name forward to wear the captain's armband while Abdoulaye Faye is suspended.

The 22-year-old, who signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with the Potters on Tuesday, said: "If you are playing in a team, you want to be captain. I am no different. It is a dream for me.

"But there are a lot of big characters in our team and a lot of people who have a lot more experience than me, so I am sure I am down the order."

"I can't just be looked on as a youngster, because I have quite a bit of experience. The manager has mentioned a couple of times that I need to be more vocal.

"Abdy's not a massive talker; he does his talking with his feet. I am probably the main talker of the two of us, but there is extra responsibility when he's not playing."