Eager To Maintain Unblemished Record

RYAN SHAWCROSS is hoping Stoke City can maintain their unblemished defensive record against newly-promoted Norwich City on Sunday. . . but knows the Canaries will pose a major threat as they seek to break the side's resolve.

Tony Pulis' side have yet to concede a single goal in any of their four competitive fixtures this season, a run which was extended on Thursdaynight as the Potters recorded a superb 1-0 Europa League victory against FC Thun in Switzerland.

City's skipper admits things couldn't have gone any better for the team from a defensive point of view, but knows that their resilience and stubborness will be tested further at Carrow Road in the Barclays Premier League encounter.

"It's their first home game in the Premier League after winning promotion, so they will be desperate to put on a show for their supporters," he revealed.

"A few of the lads here, myself included, have been in their shoes before, when we won promotion, so we know what they will be looking to do against us.

"They will have no fear, and they will be confident because they are a team who have been used to winning, so we will have to be on top of our game."

He added: "We are confident too though. We've started the season well, and we want to make sure we keep it going on Sunday. It will be extremely tough but we believe we can go there and get the result we want."

The 23-year old defender also singled out praise for debutant Matthew Upson, who lined up alongside him for the first time at the Arena Thun on Thursday.

"He did extremely well to come into the side and put in that sort of performance," he added. "But it's not surprising, given his experience and pedigree.

"We are fortunate here to have such good competition for places at the back and that has obviously played a part in keeping those clean sheets.

"There are alot of us vying for places now and that can only be a good thing for the team. Both Jonathan (Woodgate) and Matthew have settled in to the Club superbly well, and we will all be push each other on as we all want to be in that team week in week out."