Mark Hughes: 'Peter Odemwingie prepared for hostile reception'

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has insisted that Peter Odemwingie can handle a hostile reception when he plays against his former club West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Odemwingie left the Baggies for Cardiff City last summer shortly after attempting to force through a move to Queens Park Rangers, but Hughes believes that any jeers directed at the forward will not have an impact on his performance.

"In my experience, more often than not when you get stick at an away ground, it means maybe the supporters are frightened of you and what you can do," the Stoke boss told reporters.

"I'm sure Peter will view it that way. He's an exceptional player and, yes, I'm aware that there may be some focus on him.

"His time there didn't end as he would have liked. It was acrimonious but I'm sure he will deal with any stick that is directed at him."

Odemwingie joined Stoke in January as part of a swap deal which saw Kenwyne Jones move to Cardiff.