Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has insisted that the team is capable of achieving a top-half finish in the Premier League this season.

The Potters remained in 13th place in the table on Saturday thanks to a goalless draw against Hull City at the KC Stadium.

However, Crouch believes that the players are improving under new manager Mark Hughes as they head into a hectic Christmas schedule.

"We are progressing," he told the club's official website. "We are playing some good stuff and I am convinced that we will be pushing for a spot in the top ten come the end of the season."

Stoke's next fixture is on Tuesday when they host Manchester United in the League Cup quarter-finals.