Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has admitted that he was "delighted" to see Marc Muniesa and Jonathan Walters make the most of their first-team chance against Burnley.
The Potters claimed a straightforward 2-0 victory over the Clarets at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon, sealed by goals from the duo inside the opening 35 minutes.
It was just the fifth occasion that Walters had featured for City from the off this term, while Muniesa was named in the starting lineup for the second time this season.
Speaking after the match, Hughes told reporters: "I am delighted for them both, and one or two others, because they haven't had many opportunities this season. Marc Muniesa is one who has had hardly any game time and he has come in and been exceptional for us - he was outstanding again today.
"I wanted him to drive the ball forward, which he did tremendously well. He was very important for us. Even when he is in tight areas he is very confident of being able to get out of them and move up the pitch, and he showed that by starting the passage of play that resulted in him scoring a wonderful goal.
"Jonny Walters is another I am absolutely delighted for, because you always know what you are going to get from Jon, so for him to get on the scoresheet was really pleasing too. It was another tremendous finish and I'm not sure you will see any better than that in the Premier League if I am being perfectly honest."
Stoke, now ninth in the Premier League following an upturn in fortunes, return to action next weekend with a trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Daniel Lewis
