Players queue up for more at Stoke

It's been a good week for Stoke, despite the disappointment of that late defeat at Hull, with the news that three key players have signed extended contracts.

Thomas Sorensen, Ryan Shawcross and Danny Higginbotham have all confirmed that they will be extending their time at the Brit.

Sorensen would have been out of contract in the summer after joining on a free from Villa at the start of last season and has signed up for another year. He's an automatic selection for Tony Pulis, despite the strong presence of Simo in reserve, and will expect to be the first choice keeper for Denmark in the World Cup finals.

Danny Higginbotham has found recent starting opportunities limited and has had to make do with a place on the bench, but he is an important player to have in reserve as Stoke look to build up the overall strength of the squad. He's also signed a one year extension that will take him up to the summer of 2011.

The big news is that Ryan Shawcross has now signed up for the Potters until July 2014. The 22 year old has attracted interest from many other Premier League clubs and his future looks very bright with his name often linked with a call-up to the senior England team in the years to come. At least this new deal should end any media speculation on Ryan's future for now and let the lad concentrate on playing football for Stoke City.

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