Mark Hughes has said that Ryan Shawcross has been "absolutely outstanding" for Stoke City this season ahead of his 200th Premier League appearance.

The club's captain joined the Potters from Manchester United in 2008 when they gained promotion to the top flight, having had a spell on loan there during their final season in the Championship.

The manager told Stoke's website: "Ryan has been absolutely outstanding once again this season, just as he has in every other campaign he has been here at the club.

"I have been incredibly impressed by his leadership qualities since I have been here and his willingness to come in each and every day and try to improve himself as a player.

"He has had an exceptional season and hasn't been recognised in the appropriate manner at international level in my opinion, but I am absolutely certain that will change in the future."

Stoke face Newcastle United tomorrow.