Tony Pulis has heaped praise on City protégé Ryan Shawcross following his impressive performance during the Potters 2-1 win against Coventry City on Saturday.

The former Manchester United youngster replaced injured skipper Andy Griffin in the first half and produced a commanding performance to help turn a possible defeat in to victory.

Speaking exclusively to Stoke City World, Pulis says Ryan has matured as the season has gone on.

"He has been a fantastic for us and over the next few years he will prove to become an outstanding signing.

"We paid a lot of money for Ryan so everybody knows what I think of him.

"He came on for us at Coventry and did fantastic. He looked commanding and assured; it's good to have different options at the back."

The England Under 21 international has made 38 appearances in his maiden professional season and Pulis admits it could have been more had he not picked up ten yellow cards.

"He's learnt a bit of a lesson this season," insists Pulis.

"I don't mind him getting booked for tackles and things like that but a couple of his bookings were for silly things.

"He was absolutely magnificent against Watford and got booked for arguing with the referee which was his tenth booking.

"He lost his place and Corty and Riggott came in and have done well, they haven't let us down at all.

"Ryan's a great lad though and he is working hard to get his starting place back."

By Matt Nichols