The Stoke defender returned to the starting line-up for the first time in 10 games in the 0-0 draw against Everton at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday. Getting back into action was a welcome relief for Shawcross, demonised for his challenge on Aaron Ramsey that left the Arsenal player with a broken leg. Then no sooner had he served his suspension the 22-year-old was sidelined with ankle and foot injuries. However, he looked back to his best against Everton after stepping off the bench in the 7-0 humbling by Chelsea. Shawcross, though, feels it might be too late to catch the eye again of England manager Fabio Capello even though doubts remain about Rio Ferdinand's fitness and John Terry's form. "It has faded a bit as I have been out so long. You can never say never but my main aim is to play well for Stoke first of all," he said. "There is always hope but the manager usually picks on form and fitness and it has been the hardest two month of my career. That might count against me. "The people who needed to be there were there for me and I thank them for that. I am delighted to be back on the pitch. "I was a bit off the pace against Chelsea, which was not unexpected, but feel much sharper now. I am feeling good and confident." Rory Delap should have put Stoke ahead shortly after half-time but he somehow contrived to side-foot the ball the wrong side of the post when it seemed easier to score. Shawcross added on the club's website: "It was a thoroughly enjoyable game and we are happy with a clean sheet after what happened at Chelsea. "It has been a difficult week with a few home truths spoken as there needs to be. We showed our character and came back strong." Everton looked to have sealed a victory in the 72nd minute that would have maintained their hopes of a Europa League slot when defender Phil Jagielka headed into the net. However referee Howard Webb disallowed his effort, explaining on television that Victor Anichebe was in an offside position. That explanation is unlikely to appease manager David Moyes, who skipped the usual post-match conferences and despatched his assistant Steve Round instead. Round said: "We thought it was a perfectly good goal. We cannot quite understand why it was disallowed. The officials made the decision and we have to respect that. "He (Anichebe) is in an offside position but is he interfering, I don't know. We have taken a corner and it has been headed straight in the net." Round believes Jagielka, who missed large chunks of the campaign through injury, has the versatility that would serve England well. He said: "I thought Jagielka was outstanding. Centre-back, right-back, wherever you play him he does that. Today he showed just how much quality he has got."
