Tony Pulis is confident Peter Crouch will respond positively to the disappointment of missing out on a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.
Stoke manager feels striker deserved England place
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is confident Peter Crouch will respond positively to the disappointment of missing out on a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.
Crouch had a decent season with the Potters and Pulis had tipped him to make the trip to Poland and Ukraine as one of Roy Hodgson's strikers.
However, he ended up being left out of the 23-man party as Hodgson decided to plump for Andy Carroll, who finished the campaign strongly for Liverpool.
Pulis wishes Crouch had been selected but is confident he will bounce back next season and perform well for Stoke once again.
"I have spoken to Peter and he was very disappointed to be left out - and rightly so," Pulis said in
The Sentinel.
"I just said to him to go away and have a good family break, then come back raring to go for next season.
"I've no real worries with Peter because he's an experienced lad and knows the score. If anything, his omission will be more of a motivation and he'll come back flying."
Outstanding
While Pulis respects Hodgson's decision, he insists that Crouch had done enough in his first year at the Britannia Stadium to earn recognition.
"I'm desperately disappointed for him. First and foremost I think he deserved to be picked," added Pulis.
"His performance levels have been absolutely outstanding for us and no disrespect to one or two who have been selected, but I think he's in front of them.
"But it's up to Roy Hodgson to pick his team and good luck to them."
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has already suggested that Crouch might have been selected had he played for a bigger club.
Coates stated: "I think it is self-evident that your chances are enhanced if you play for one of the perceived glamour clubs.
"I am disappointed for Peter. He's had a great season and, in my opinion, deserves to be in the squad. He's a wonderful player who has been a tremendous asset to the team."
