Stoke City boss Mark Hughes says Peter Crouch is an important part of his system.

Hughes has ruled out selling the England international.

He said: "For us, he obviously gives us a focus to our attacking play.

"I played that role for many years with your back to goal and it's a thankless task and you have to take hits for the team.

"He's an accomplished player who's played at this level for a long time and you don't do that unless you are a good player."

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