Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is convinced of big things from Bojan Krkic.

Former Barcelona striker Krkic signed a four-year deal in the summer but has not made the early impact expected after arriving at the Britannia.

Hughes said: "He's fine. It's just about making sure we introduce him at the right times, in the right games, against the right opposition.

"We are coming off the back of two away games at the moment. He is better served playing in the home games. It's not that he's excluded from away games - in certain ones he will certainly be involved.

"But it's early days. He's going to be here for a long time. He has signed a long-term contract and is just starting here.

"We want to make sure that when he does take part he is going to have a big impact.

"It might not happen initially but over the course of this season he will be key for us.

"Given the quality we see in training, he is an exceptional footballer."