Ryan Shawcross was an unused substitute for England against Egypt

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says he will not rush defender Ryan Shawcross back from injury even if it damages his chances of going to the World Cup.

The 22-year-old missed the 0-0 draw against Wolves on Sunday after hurting his foot in training.

"There's no way in a million years that we're going to take any risks with Ryan Shawcross," Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We want him to go because it would be a great achievement, but our priority is to look after him as well."

Shawcross received his first call-up to the full England squad for the friendly against Egypt in March, although he remained on the bench during the 3-1 victory.

His last appearance came against Arsenal on 27 February when he was sent off for a tackle on Aaron Ramsey who suffered a broken leg.

The point against Wolves kept Stoke in 10th position in the Premier League, but Pulis said his side could have won the game.

"I thought we had the better chances, we started brightly and had lots of opportunities, but it just wasn't to be," he said.

"Abdoulaye Faye could have scored a hat-trick because he missed three great chances in the first half."

Stoke are waiting for news on the groin injury suffered by striker Mama Sidibe who had to be substituted during the second half at Molineux.

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