Ryan Shawcross believes that playing for Mark Hughes might help him force his way into the England squad.

The Stoke City defender has one cap, which came against Sweden in November 2012, but has failed to earn a regular spot in Roy Hodgson's defence.

However, Shawcross says that having Hughes as his manager is allowing him to improve his game and international hopes.

"Mark is giving me opportunities to develop as a ball-playing central defender. In terms of my international ambitions, I think that can only help me," he told The Mirror.

Shawcross has been with the Potters permanently since 2008, after a loan spell the previous season.