Monday 17 December 2012 08:30, UK
Tony Pulis has praised Ryan Shawcross for leading by example after reiterating the Stoke City captain is 'very close' to signing a long-term contract.
The centre-half was floored by a Marouane Fellaini butt during the game against Everton and Pulis praised Shawcross for keeping cool during a running battle with the midfielder. The Stoke boss added: "It takes a lot to keep calm in those circumstances. "It's not an easy thing to do. I would have liked to have seen what would have happened with other players at a few other clubs. "But Ryan is a lovely family man, he has got everything in order, he works as hard as anybody I have known. "He trains properly, he eats well, he is a good, good professional." Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click here to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar
