Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has ruled out the possibility of selling striker Peter Crouch this summer.
Hughes's acquisition of Mame Biram Diouf has prompted speculation over Crouch's future, with the coach himself admitting that the 26-year-old's arrival will see some leave the club.
However, the Welshman insists that he was not alluding to the former England international, claiming that the "exceptional" striker still has a big role to play at the Britannia Stadium.
"Peter did very well last year," Hughes told Sky Sports News. "Obviously people picked up on something I said a couple of weeks back about some players arriving so some players will feel that they have to leave.
"Peter isn't one of those I hope because he was exceptional last season, did really well for me.
"He's a great asset on and off the field so we don't want Peter to leave. He's got a big part to play."
The 33-year-old, who has one year remaining on his Stoke contract, struck seven times for the Potters last season.
Shane Callaghan
