Stoke City skipper Ryan Shawcross has heaped praise on his ex-teammate Ricardo Fuller for his ability to dazzle defenders.

The 35-year old striker scored 43 goals during his six-year stay at the Britannia Stadium before his career in the Premier League was cut short due to a troublesome knee injury.

Of the Jamaican striker, Shawcross told supporters at the Britannia Stadium: "If it wasn't for Ricardo's knees I'm sure he'd have gone to play even higher.

"I'd have him back here now just for those 10 minute cameos when he would give defenders nightmares.

"He's a great lad too and he actually spotted me in London last month as he was driving his car. He stopped for a chat for a few minutes as traffic was piling up behind him, beeping. That's Ricardo."