)
RYAN SHAWCROSS says the opportunity to face-off against top-flight opposition in pre-season will stand the side in good stead ahead of the big Premier League kick-off next month.The Potters take on Everton next Wednesday in the 2015 Barclays Asia Trophy curtain-raiser at the National Stadium, before facing either Arsenal or a Singapore Select XI three days later. Shawcross sees the benefits of taking on higher profile opposition in pre-season, despite the clash against Roberto Martinez’s side coming less than two weeks after reporting back for training. “I’m not one who enjoys the games against lower-league sides, especially non-league teams, because you don’t play teams from that level week in, week out,” he said on Sunday. “I much prefer to go straight in against teams that we will be competing with in the Premier League, so Wednesday’s match against Everton will be good for us. “It’s all well and good playing smaller sides and winning the game comfortably, but it is all about building the fitness levels at this time of year, and we will do that with the two games we have ahead of us. “It will be incredibly tough because it will be our first friendly, and the first time that I can remember us playing a side as established as Everton in our opening game. “The weather will make it difficult too because of the incredibly humid conditions here." Whilst the City skipper was quick to acknowledge the single most important factor of pre-season, he says that establishing a winning mentality at this time of year can also be hugely beneficial. “As I said before, pre-season is about getting the fitness levels right and making sure we are ready for the first league fixture against Liverpool,” he added. “But, when any professional player steps on to the pitch they want to win the game, and we are absolutely no different to anyone else. “We want to go out there on Wednesday, perform well and win the game, if possible and stamp our mark for the new season.”
Source: stokecityfc.com