Skipper to play it Faye in recall wait

Skipper Abdoulaye Faye says he is happy to wait to get back in the Stoke side after the defence's good display against Portsmouth.

The 31-year-old Senegal international central defender was ruled out of Sunday's 1-0 win against Pompey due to a one-game suspension and he watched Robert Huth and regular partner Ryan Shawcross put in a solid performance.

Andy Wilkinson produced a man-of-the-match display on his return to the starting XI and Faye acknowledged that it will be difficult for him to get back in the side for this Saturday's trip to Blackburn.

Faye told teh Sentinel: "I am happy for the defence. If I stay on the bench then that's ok. That's no problem for me.

"I don't want to have a big head. The manager will decide."

Faye also spoke of his pride at seeing Shawcross' commanding display while taking over the captain's armband against Portsmouth.

He added: "I think Ryan is the best this season. I like him and I say he's my son.

"I have said maybe in the future he is going to the England team. That is possible now. He's very strong and has confidence.I am very proud of Ryan."