Having reached the milestone of 300 Premier League appearances, Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross is regarded as one of the most competitive and dependable defenders in the top flight.
But his PL debut for the Potters against Bolton Wanderers in 2008 didn't quite go according to plan.
"I had a terrible game, I got dropped after it," he says. "I came off with a chipped tooth, a busted lip and I think I broke my nose as well. It was a tough game."
The 30-year-old made his 300th PL appearance against Swansea City at the start of this month and to mark his achievement, Shawcross received a Premier League Milestone Award.
Asked what advice he would give his younger self, Shawcross says: "Toughen up quick! It's a tough league. If you don't toughen up, you struggle."
