Ryan Shawcross has returned to Stoke City.

The former Potters captain has joined the club's academy coaching staff.

Shawcross left Stoke to play for Inter Miami before hanging up the boots last year.

"I always hoped that I would come back," former Manchester United defender Shawcross said.

"Since I returned to the UK last year, I have been using my time to visit different clubs, broaden my knowledge of coaching methods and study the game to best prepare myself for an opportunity like this.

"I think the fact I have wide-ranging experiences at this club that I can draw on clearly has its benefits, though I am also mindful this is a different chapter for me and the club - a positive one for all parties - and that I'll improve myself as a coach by learning from the staff within the academy."