Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam poised for emotional return against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium They are a good group of players. Him being around, even sitting on the bench for a couple of games, takes his mind off it, just to be part of it. We will be looking to freshen it up. I thought one or two players looked tired against Southampton. Ryan [Shawcross] comes back into the squad, Geoff Cameron comes back into the squad, they have had a break. We will make three or four changes to the team that started. Shawcross is still in talks over a new six-year contract at the Britannia Stadium, with further negotiations on Monday. The England international defender has yet to agree the deal but Stoke remain confident they can reach an agreement this month. Danny Higginbotham, the defender, is set to join Sheffield United on loan with a view to a permanent move, after his spell at Ipswich Town was cut short.