Stoke boss Tony Pulis has started preparing for life in the Premier League by announcing a string of pre-season friendlies.The Potters, who will also jet out for a week-long training camp in Austria, will first make the short trip to Newcastle Town on Friday July 18 with a 6.45pm kick-off.

Games against Notts County at Meadow Lane on Tuesday July 29 (kick off 7.45pm) and Shrewsbury at the New Meadow on Saturday August 2 (kick off 3pm) will follow.

Meanwhile, defender Ryan Shawcross earned his second England Under-21 cap in Thursday's 2-0 win over Wales at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

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