Xherdan Shaqiri injury fears allayed as Mark Hughes confirms Stoke's record signing was withdrawn as a precaution against Southampton

  • Xherdan Shaqiri was replaced during Stoke's win over Southampton
  • He suffered a hamstring injury in the first half at St Mary's 
  • The winger joined the club from Inter Milan for £12million in summer

By Reuters Reporter

Published: 06:06 EST, 23 November 2015 | Updated: 06:33 EST, 23 November 2015

Stoke City's record signing Xherdan Shaqiri was taken off as a precaution after he sustained a minor hamstring injury in Saturday's 1-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League.

Shaqiri, who is yet to find his feet at the club following his move from Inter Milan during the off-season, is still searching for his first goal in English football after making 13 appearances this season.

The former Bayern Munich winger was taken off shortly after the hour mark and his manager Mark Hughes said he was pleased with the 24-year-old showing glimpses of his potential as he continues to adapt to the English game.

Xherdan Shaqiri (right) was replaced against Southampton after suffering a minor hamstring strain

Xherdan Shaqiri (right) was replaced against Southampton after suffering a minor hamstring strain

'He had a little tightness in his hamstring to be fair, and that was the reasoning behind taking him off when we did,' Hughes told the club's website.

'He wanted to go out and play the second half but it was important that we protected him a little bit, which is what we did.

'I was really pleased with what he offered us once more. You can see each game he plays that he is adapting and showing the undoubted qualities he possesses.'

Stoke have not conceded on their travels in over seven hours, a feat that spans over the last five away games in all competitions and have won four of their last six league games.

Bojan's brilliant flicked finish earned Stoke all three points from their trip to Southampton

Bojan's brilliant flicked finish earned Stoke all three points from their trip to Southampton

Skipper Ryan Shawcross said the increased focus in recent weeks is down to fierce competition for places within the squad.

'We're beginning to look more fluent in our performances, we have some very talented players so hopefully we can continue this good run of form,' Shawcross said.

'Clean sheets are what we strive for. It's never easy, it's a tough league and teams are always going to create chances.

'There are other players who are fighting to take our place so we aren't resting on our laurels, we'll carry on working hard and hopefully get some more clean sheets.'

Stoke, who are 11th in the table, travel to second-from-bottom Sunderland in the league on Saturday. 

Stoke celebrate scoring the only goal of the game as they continued their recent fine form at St Mary's

Stoke celebrate scoring the only goal of the game as they continued their recent fine form at St Mary's

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