Mark Hughes hails Stoke's character in win over Bournemouth but faces Xherdan Shaqiri wait
Saturday 26 September 2015 20:39, UK
Mark Hughes stressed the importance of Stoke's first Premier League win of the season against Bournemouth - but must wait on news of injured Xherdan Shaqiri.
Stoke had picked up just three points in six games before seeing off Eddie Howe's side and moved out of the relegation zone with the 2-1 win.
It appeared Jon Walters' first-half goal would be enough to seal the win, but although Dan Gosling equalised on 76 minutes, substitute Mame Biram Diouf headed home the winner six minutes from time.
"It was really important we got the win," Hughes said.
"We were good value at half-time but in the second-half we got a little nervous, which is understandable. They got a lucky break in the box and the lad has turned it in. You think it's going to be another day of frustration but I thought the lads showed great qualities to pick themselves up and score a great goal.
"I would argue we played better in the previous six games but it's a results business and that's what we got today."
Meanwhile, Xherdan Shaqiri will need a scan to discover the extent of a hamstring injury sustained in the dying moments of the first half.
"It looks like the hamstring after he pulled up sharply," Hughes said. "We will settle him down and have a scan on Monday to see what the damage is."
