SAM: TASH IN GOOD TRIM TO REPLACE JOE

SAM CLUCAS says Tashan Oakley-boothe can fill the void left at Stoke by Joe Allen’s season-ending injury.

Two-goal hero Clucas shone as the Potters tore Hull to shreds with a five-star showing.

Fellow midfielder Nick Powell also starred with a double against his old club and Tyrese Campbell scored from the penalty spot.

But Stoke’s win was clouded by the news that skipper Allen is now out for the season. The Wales star was carried off at half-time with a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury which also crushes his hopes of playing at Euro 2020 this summer.

“I spoke to him and he’s devastated,” said Clucas (celebrating his second goal, above). “All the players are. A guy with that much experience and quality is going to be a massive loss.

“But when somebody gets injured it’s always a chance to give somebody else a game and Tashan did well in the second half when he came on. He’s got some big boots to fill, but he’s more than capable.”

Victory lifted Stoke three points clear of the drop zone, but Hull are now one place above the bottom three. Leonardo Da Silva Lopes got a consolation goal for the Tigers, who are now 11 games without a win.

And under-fire boss Grant Mccann said: “The run of results has been concerning. It feels like we haven’t won in years. We’re really low on confidence.” STOKE: Butland 6, Martins Indi 7, Chester 7, Batth 7, Smith 7, Powell 8 (Gregory 88), Clucas 9, Thompson 7, Allen 7 (Oakley-boothe 46, 5), Ince 7, Campbell 8 (Vokes 88) HULL: Long 4, Elder 5, Mcloughlin 4, Pennington 4, Mckenzie 4, Samuelson 4 (Honeyman 58, 4), Stewart 4 (Batty 42, 4), Irvine 4, Lopes 6, Wilks 4 (Lewis-potter 46, 5), Magennis 4 REF: Jarred Gillett ATT: 23,126 MOTM SAM CLUCAS (STOKE)