RYAN SHAWCROSS will be aiming to keep a former Manchester United colleague quiet at the weekend in what could be described as a 'survival of the fittest' contest.

While the injury troubles suffered by Everton striker Louis Saha have been well-documented, Shawcross has revealed his own battle to be at his very best this season.

The highly-rated Stoke City defender has been suffering from tendinitis which restricts the amount of work he does on the training pitch in the build-up to matches.

But the former Old Trafford youngster will be relishing the opportunity to come face-to-face with Saha at the weekend when the Potters travel to Goodison Park.

"The important thing is that I am fine for matches and the manager has been very understanding with me," revealed the 21-year-old ahead of the Everton trip.

"I want to train more, but the knees won't let me at the moment, so I just have to make sure that I am ready for the matches when they come about."

He added: "It is just a bit of tendinitis which most players suffer from. It's very frustrating but I am pleased with the way things have gone for me this season."

City will face an Everton side that has bounced back from a poor start to the season which has been due in some way to the goalscoring form of Saha.

Therefore, Shawcross and his defensive colleagues know that they will have to be at their best to boost the Potters' hopes of getting a result at Goodison Park.