Mark Hughes: 'Peter Crouch is staying at Stoke City'

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has said that he has no plans to sell Peter Crouch before the end of the season.

Crouch has less than a year remaining on his contract at the bet365 Stadium, while the 36-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game this season, despite netting three goals.

However, Hughes has insisted that he will not look to cash in on the former England international, who he feels can still add something different to his frontline.

The 54-year-old is quoted by The Express as saying: "He gets frustrated. I understand that. Basically I'd say, 'Tough, you're staying'. He needs to stay here. He's unique in terms of what he gives us and obviously he's still very adept at what he does.

"He's very effective and I know a lot of clubs would love to have Peter so we're pleased he's here. There's no reason for him to leave. I haven't seen any diminishing of his powers – that's credit to him."

On Saturday, Crouch came off the bench to net Stoke's equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City.