The defender has created a major impression during the past two years at the Britannia Stadium and has taken the step up to the Barclays Premier League in his stride.

Over the summer he was linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, while former club Manchester United were also reported to be keeping tabs on him.

However, Shawcross is currently in talks over a contract extension with the Potters and he sees no reason to leave Stoke for pastures new.

new contract

"I am very happy here," said Shawcross. "If I moved to a big club like Liverpool I might not play.

"So my aim is to stay at Stoke and we're talking about a new contract right now.

"I have two years left after this one and we are hoping to sort it out for longer."

The 22-year-old has been backed to break into Fabio Capello's England squad, but the centre-half is not worrying about building on his Under-21 appearances.

He added: "Of course it is a dream of mine to play for England, but I do not have sleepless nights thinking about it.

"I just concentrate on Stoke. If you start thinking you have to impress the England manager, then your game will go off."