Strict Tony Puliskey to Glory says

Above: Tony Pulis has been the key to Stoke's meteoric rise

RYAN SHAWCROSS believes Tony Pulis’ ruthless streak in dealing with troublemakers is the key to Stoke’s remarkable rise up the football ladder.

Potters boss Pulis (below) has never shown any mercy when a player steps out of line – as James Beattie discovered to his cost a year ago.

Despite helping to save the club from relegation in May 2009, Beattie was bombed out 12 months later after a bust-up with Pulis over a cancelled Christmas party.

Stoke were so desperate to get rid of Beattie, they let him join Rangers on a free, even though he cost them £5million.

Potters skipper Shawcross said: “The boss has shown in the past that anyone who starts to forget who we are and where we have come from will be out.

“There is nobody in the squad who is above themselves – there are no big egos here, we all work for each other.”

Stoke head to Swansea today having lost only once in the Premier League.

And Shawcross, 24 on Tuesday, added: “We are getting better and stronger every season.”