Brek Shea is hopeful that he can force his way into the Stoke City starting lineup having returned from his loan spell at Barnsley.

The United States international, 24, who made eight appearances for the Tykes, has struggled to hold down a place at his parent club in the Premier League ahead of this summer's World Cup.

"I've had a lot of experiences, whether good or bad, and I've got to learn from them," Shea is quoted as saying by the Stoke Sentinel. "Hopefully, I can earn a spot in [the Stoke] team.

"I have to keep my head down, work hard and hope I get my chance. I have to show the gaffer I am good enough to play, but I need to be playing for the World Cup. I really want to go because I enjoy playing for my country."

Shea joined Stoke from Major League Soccer side FC Dallas last year.