Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has said that he still values Peter Crouch, after the former England striker earned the Potters a point at Newcastle United on Sunday with a last-minute header.
Crouch has found first-team opportunities harder to come by this season, as Hughes seems to prefer a combination of Jonathan Walters and Mame Biram Diouf up front, but he insists that Crouch is still a key player.
He told reporters: "Somebody mentioned over the weekend maybe Harry Kane is the only guy that scores goals like that anymore. Well, I think that's an oversight on Peter Crouch because he's been doing that for a long, long time.
"Peter has been unlucky in the last few weeks because he hasn't been starting games for me, but he is very much valued by myself and the club. That's why we have given him another extension to his contract.
"We know his value and we know whenever we call upon him, then he will always impact on games for us. If he comes on the pitch or if he starts games, he will always have an impact for us. It's credit to him as a professional."
Crouch has scored six goals so far this season.
Charlie Bennett
