Mark Hughes: 'Peter Crouch must be patient'

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that he hopes to keep Peter Crouch at the Britannia Stadium, despite the striker growing frustrated at his lack of match action.

Crouch has made just three substitute appearances for the Potters in the Premier League this season, leading to suggestions that he may be available in the January transfer window.

However, while acknowledging his player's concerns, Hughes has insisted that the former England international must be patient.

The 52-year-old told reporters: "It's understandable Peter wants more football but he and others will just need to be patient.

"It's still early on in the season. I fully understand where he's coming from but I wouldn't like to let him go in January, not if I had the choice."

Stoke play host to Chelsea on Saturday evening.