Youngster in line for premier league bow?

TP may take a huge gamble with his team selection and hand young 20 year old full back Ryan Shotton his premier league debut against newly promoted Burnley.

Shotton has only made 1 previous appearance for the Potters, against Cheltenham in the league cup, and spent last season out on loan at Tranmere Rovers but after impressing in pre-season he is now firmly in Pulis`s plans.

Pulis says, “Young Ryan has got a chance against Burnley. He`s a good defender, quick in one on ones and has done smashing so far”.

Although he looks a bright young prospect it will be a huge gamble to throw him straight in at the deep end against Burnley, with no real experience of either premier league or even championship standard football. But Pulis may prove us wrong again and he could turn out to be as successful as other youth players who have made the step up in recent times such as Wilko, Martin Patterson and Kris Commons.

Shotton, like Wilko, is a local lad from Stoke who progressed through the clubs youth academy. He spent the 2007-2008 season on loan at Altrincham where he played 34 times and even found the net on 5 occasions, he also scored 5 times while at Tranmere in 33 games.

So TP looks like he is going to keep us scratching our heads over his team selection yet again but come August 15th and Ryan`s name is called out he`ll be sure to have the whole stadium 100% behind him, good luck!