Crouch always confident of Potters impact

Time on the pitch has come at a premium in recent times for Peter Crouch, but the Stoke City striker insists he has never lost confidence in his own ability on the park.

The 35-year-old scored in his second successive match against Watford on Tuesday, now just two short of reaching 100 Premier League goals despite completing 90 minutes just twice this season.

It’s a trend that has followed Crouch over the past two years, making just 18 appearances in all competitions last season, failing to register a goal in the top flight.

But despite playing a bit-part role behind the likes of Jon Walters and Bojan, the former England international is adamant his faith never wavered in his bid to return to Mark Hughes’ plans.

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“It’s great for me. I haven’t played much in the last 18 months and it has been very frustrating but I have always believed in myself and have always known I can impact games at this level.

“Thankfully the manager has thrown me in for these last few games and hopefully I have proven that I can still do it at this level and I will keep playing.

“That first goal (in the 2-0 victory against Watford) was so important.

“They came here to defend and hit us off long balls and set pieces so getting the goal at that time really settled us down and I always felt like we were going to get the second.”