Tony Pulis insists central defender Ryan Shawcross will be staying with Stoke despite being linked with a loan switch to Derby County.Pulis says Shawcross, who played a key role in the club's promotion from the Championship last term, still has a big part to play for the Potters.
"Ryan has been part of this club and part of this team and I still think the world of him," Pulis told The Sentinel. "He's going to be a top, top player, but that doesn't always mean you're in the team every week.
"You look at all top players who've now made it and you can bet they've had periods during their career when they've had to fight for their place.
"This is the Premier League and there should be tough competition for places, hopefully in all areas of the team.
"I haven't forgotten what Ryan did last season - and I certainly haven't overlooked what he can do for us in the future.
"With us still being in the Carling Cup, it's obviously important we keep players, so we have the right numbers at our disposal."
