ANY hopes that Ipswich Town could land central defender Ryan Shawcross on loan have been dashed by Stoke City boss Tony Pulis.But Potters' manager Pulis insists neither Shawcross, or Irish midfielder Glenn Whelan, will be moving on - at least in 2008 - despite 10 summer signings since both were heavily involved in last season's promotion success.

Derek Davis

ANY hopes that Ipswich Town could land central defender Ryan Shawcross on loan have been dashed by Stoke City boss Tony Pulis.

But Potters' manager Pulis insists neither Shawcross, or Irish midfielder Glenn Whelan, will be moving on - at least in 2008 - despite 10 summer signings since both were heavily involved in last season's promotion success.

Pulis said: “Ryan is a big part of what we are trying to do here and I have great respect for Ryan as a person and for what he has achieved with us so far.

“There's no way he's leaving this football club in this window. At the end of the window we will obviously take stock of everything at the club, but I'm hoping Ryan will have shown the right spirit, character and work ethic to get back in the team.

The £2 signing from Manchester United now faces competition with up to five other senior players capable of playing centre half

Pulis added: “That's the challenge in front of him now and it's one I'm sure he will tackle with great relish because he's that kind of character.

“Also, we are still in the League Cup and need good competition for places at the club anyway. We are not going to let players go who are in or around the team.

“If you look at clubs now in the Premier League you'll see they have good players not in the team because you need big squads and strong competition.”