Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill has revealed that James McClean should be available to return to the side against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, but that the Potters could be without both Liam Lindsay and Ryan Shawcross.

McClean missed the Potters' 1-0 defeat at Cardiff City in midweek through suspension, but he had also picked up a knock ahead of the game anyway, and the winger's presence down the left-hand side was a miss for the Potters as they struggled to really create many chances against Cardiff after going a goal behind early on.

Meanwhile, Shawcross has returned to first team training over the last few weeks, and the defender will be continuing his recovery and looking to force his way back into the team in the next few weeks and months, while Lindsay could also miss out against Blackburn through injury.

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Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Potters' game against Blackburn at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, O'Neill suggested that McClean will be available to come back into the squad, but that there are concerns over Lindsay's fitness and that they will be giving Shawcross more time in training, saying: "James McClean is fine and trained the last couple of days.

"We have a little concern over Liam Lindsay.

"Ryan Shawcross is training but we have to protect him. We have to make sure when he plays that he is 100% ready."

The Verdict

McClean's return to action will be a boost for Stoke as they look to bounce back from their first defeat under O'Neill in midweek, and having come under some scrutiny for his performances so far this campaign which hasn't been helped by Nathan Jones playing at left-back at times, the attacker has now emerged as a crucial player in the last few weeks.

O'Neill's comments on Shawcross suggest that the defender is eager to make his return to first team involvement as you would expect from the club captain, but it is important that the Potters manage the defender's return to fitness and do not rush him back too soon.

While Lindsay will be frustrated if he can not be in contention to play a part for the Potters, with the defender needing to impress on the training ground to convince O'Neill that he can become a key part of his side, but he might have to spend some time on the sidelines given O'Neill's latest comments.