Hughes heaps praise on Moses



Moses, who signed for the Staffordshire outfit on a season-long deal last month, has had a frustrating last couple of years as a bit part player for his parent club and then Liverpool on loan.

He has rapidly emerged as a key man for Stoke, though, and his threat was in particular evidence as he helped them to Monday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League win over Newcastle, in which they registered their first home points of season.

The 23-year-old Nigeria international provided the cross from which Peter Crouch headed in the 15th-minute winner, and caused constant problems for the visitors.

Hughes, whose side moved up from 17th to 11th in the table with the victory, said of Moses: "He's been exceptional since he came to the club.

"We are really delighted with what he has produced

He is a man on a mission I would suggest, because he hasn't had a lot of football in the last two years or so.

"He just wants to play, and every time he gets into those positions, in the wide areas, you always sense something is going to happen.

"It was the same again (against Newcastle)

We are delighted for him, and I think if he continues in the same vein, then he'll have a good season and so will we."

Hughes also had praise for Crouch - now with three goals in all competitions this season - and Marko Arnautovic, who hit the post in the second half and put in what the manager felt was his best performance of the campaign so far.

Arnautovic came on in the 23rd minute of the contest, Mame Biram Diouf having to be withdrawn due to an injury.

And regarding Diouf's condition, Hughes said: "It looks like he might have a slight hamstring strain.

"Obviously he stopped and he came off immediately, which is the right thing to do

So we are hopeful it is not going to be too serious."

Source : PA

Source: PA