TONY Pulis has vowed to do his best to enhance Ryan Shawcross's World Cup prospects by drafting him back into Stoke's line-up.

But he insists he won't risk weakening the team ... or scuppering his chances for good by rushing him back before he is fully fit.

Shawcross is still awaiting his Stoke return after suspension and injury have combined to sideline him since the infamous Aaron Ramsey incident on February 27.

He failed to make the bench at Wolves on Sunday after being laid low by injury for a second time.

"He's hurt his foot again," explained Pulis. "He's gone in for a challenge in training and had a kick right on the spot, so there's no way we could risk him again.

"He's a very important player for us and we are determined to go carefully with him.

"We want him to go with England to South Africa, and if that were to happen it would be a great achievement for the lad and for the football club.

"But our priority is the team, and it won't do Ryan any good to put him back in before he's really ready."

Shawcross was called up for the first time into England's senior squad for last month's friendly against Egypt, but Fabio Capello has since had no opportunity to monitor either his form or his fitness.

Shawcross himself has been keen to demonstrate his recovery from any psychological affects after the tackle that left Ramsey with a double leg break.

Meanwhile, Pulis has hinted that Asmir Begovic will be making his debut in goal for Stoke before the end of the season.

Begovic, who could have been Portsmouth's FA Cup final goalkeeper had he not left for Stoke in January, is likely to be blooded in the final few fixtures.

"He's been fantastic in training and it would be nice to give him an opportunity," said Pulis.

It would also give Thomas Sorensen a break ahead of this summer's World Cup assignment with Denmark. The Dane's warm-up begins with a pre-tournament friendly in Copenhagen against a Senegal side that could include club captain Abdoulaye Faye.

SHEFFIELD United have asked Stoke to extend goalkeeper Steve Simonsen's loan spell for an extra week so that he can play in this weekend's Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday.

Simonsen is then set to return to Stoke next week as Sheffield United will be able to recall Paddy Kenny following the completion of his long-term ban for failing a drug test at the end of last season.

MARTIN SPINKS