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'We will be fine': Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross backs boss Mark Hughes despite slipping into relegation zone after narrow defeat by Bournemouth

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross has refused to give up on Mark Hughes after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth condemned the Potters to the relegation zone.

The Cherries struck twice within two minutes of the first half when Junior Stanislas' penalty - which Shawcross gave away by tripping Benik Afobe in the box - followed up Andrew Surman's 16th-minute strike.

Mame Biram Diouf pulled one back for Stoke in the second period but a leaky defence which has conceded 20 times in nine fixtures meant they slipped into the bottom three on goal difference.

Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross had an afternoon to forget at the Bet365 Stadium
Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross had an afternoon to forget at the Bet365 Stadium

The Potters hierarchy have historically backed their managers through lean spells and there is no sense that Hughes' position as manager is under any scrutiny despite their run of five defeats in their last six matches.