Peter Crouch remains 'influential' for Stoke City, says Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes insists Peter Crouch is still an integral member of the squad at Stoke City despite a lack of first-team action this season.

Crouch was one of Stoke's standout players during their 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Saturday - the forward headed down the ball for team-mate Marko Arnautovic to open the scoring with a powerful left-footed shot.

"Peter was really influential against Sunderland," the manager said. "I was really pleased with his performance."

Hughes has opted to stick with his new-signings this season which has seen Crouch start only three games so far but the Stoke manager has been impressed by the forward when he has been given the opportunity.

"I've disappointed him this season because we've brought players in and I've given players game time ahead of him just because they needed integrating into the Premier League," Hughes added.

"Peter has probably missed out on a number of occasions as a consequence of that, but whenever you call upon him he still gives everything he's got.

"He's always played the same way - he's not lacking pace because he's never had it. I was really pleased with him against Sunderland but I wasn't surprised."

Stoke have only two games left this season and will hope to finish their season in good form as they travel to Crystal Palace this Saturday, before a home game with West Ham.