Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that striker Peter Crouch is likely to require a hernia operation in the summer.

The 6ft7in centre-forward has not started a game this month and is likely to make only substitute appearances for the rest of season according to the Potters boss.

"Pete's been struggling for a few weeks - we've been managing him in training and games," said Hughes.

"He will always put his hand up but at the moment he is best served coming on and trying to make an impact.

"To start games is more of a worry as you are looking at him to do at least 65-70 minutes and at the moment he's probably not up to that.

"But he came on against Southampton and really affected the game in a positive manner. The likelihood is he probably needs a hernia operation."