Football
ESPN staff 9y

Xherdan Shaqiri ready to debut for Stoke City vs. Norwich - Mark Hughes

Xherdan Shaqiri is prepared to make his Premier League debut for Stoke City against Norwich City on Saturday, manager Mark Hughes says.

The Switzerland international was a club-record £12 million signing for Stoke this summer, agreeing a five-term deal at the Britannia Stadium.

But despite being fit for last week's draw against Tottenham, Shaqiri had to serve a one-game suspension stemming from his time with Inter last season.

With the ban completed, Hughes said the 23-year-old is eager to play this weekend against Norwich.

"He has been very good in training. He is more integrated into the group now and he is aware of what we are trying to do," Hughes said. "With every signing there is always an element of risk to it and this one is no different.

"He is our record signing and we feel we have brought in a player of real top quality. He can be a really big player for us this season."

Hughes said Shaqiri, along with fellow new signing Ibrahim Afellay, can add punch to the Stoke attack.

"I think people are excited and enthused about what we could possibly offer when we have everybody fit and available," he said.

"We need to get the balance correct though, and get the combinations right."

Newly promoted Norwich defeated Sunderland 3-1 last weekend, and Hughes said he expects a difficult test at Carrow Road.

"They have a lot of experience, and their squad isn't too different from what it was last time they were involved in the Premier League," Hughes said.

"Maybe that will benefit them because they haven't made wholesale changes like other newly promoted sides have.

Also on Friday, Stoke chairman Peter Coates said he wants Jon Walters to pen a new deal.

He told the Sentinel: "We are hoping Jon Walters will sign a new contract with us and we feel are close to completing that with him.

"He's a very good player, one the club values, and that's why we are trying to agree a new contract with him."

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