Peter’s staying insists Hughes
PETER CROUCH has been told he’s not for sale – at any price.
The 6ft 7in star is 37 in January and past his peak.
But Stoke boss Mark Hughes reckons the former England man is still priceless.
He’s prepared to lock his office door and barricade it with furniture just to stop the striker getting in.
Crouch admits he’s getting fed up at being some kind of super-sub.
Hughes chucked him on after 69 minutes on Saturday with Stoke 2-1 down and was paid back within four minutes when Crouch powered home a header.
Chances are, come January, there won’t be a shortage of clubs trying to sniff out a bargain.
Chuckle
But Hughes will tell them to get lost, admitting that Crouch has made his feelings clear.
“He does it on TV just to make sure I’m aware of it,” said Hughes with a chuckle.
“All his mates in the media make sure that they ask the question. He gets frustrated. I understand that.
“Basically I’d say, ‘tough, you’re staying.’ He needs to stay here. He’s unique in terms of what he gives us and obviously he’s still very adept at what he does.
“He’s very effective and I know a lot of clubs would love to have Peter, so we’re pleased he’s here. There’s no reason for him to leave. I haven’t seen any diminishing of his powers – that’s credit to him.”
Crouch said: “It would be nice to be starting and scoring goals but obviously that’s the way things are going for me. When I come on I try to make an impact and hopefully get a start.”
Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who made a couple of superb stops, admitted Crouch had made the difference.
Schmeichel said: “Crouch was a problem straight away. A draw away from home is usually a big result, but we feel disappointed. The goals we conceded were avoidable.”
Vicente Iborra put Leicester ahead in the 33rd minute when he hooked home from close range before Jack Butland made an incredible stop to swat away Shinji Okazaki’s header.
Leicester could have been out of sight by half-time but missed their chances and were then so open that they were caught on the break by Xherdan Shaqiri.
Iborra headed a great chance over and play switched straight to the other end where Shaqiri produced a great finish after a delightful ball from Maxim Choupo-Moting had sent him clear.
Riyad Mahrez put Leicester back in front on the hour before Shaqiri plonked a corner straight on to Crouch’s bonce for his 52nd Premier League headed goal.
England boss Gareth Southgate was in the stands and Leicester’s Demarai Gray is hoping to launch a late bid to get on the plane to next summer’s World Cup.
Gray said: “It is nice to get my contract all tied up and focus on playing more games.
“Gareth Southgate has selected some of the other Under-21s which is a good confidence boost for that squad. Hopefully I can remain consistent and get a call-up.”