Paul Lambert: 'Stoke City cannot rely on Xherdan Shaqiri'

Boss Paul Lambert has called on Stoke City's players to try to match Xherdan Shaqiri's contribution in the final third.

Shaqiri has contributed seven goals and six assists in 28 starts in the Premier League this season, but the Potters still sit in the relegation zone and face a fight to avoid dropping down to the Championship.

In total, the Swiss winger has played a part in just under half of Stoke's goals this season, and Lambert admits that other members of his first-team squad must start to help their teammate.

At a press conference, the 48-year-old told reporters: "I don't think you can be too reliant on one player. I think it is a difficult thing for that to happen unless you are Lionel Messi or that type of player.

"Shaq's done well for us but he needs a little bit of help as well. We need it from other areas on the pitch, if we get that we are certainly in the game. I think that's where, if everybody chips in with some goals, we stand a better chance."

Stoke are next in action when they host Everton at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.