Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has hinted that striker Peter Crouch will start against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Crouch has only scored once in his last 25 appearances, but despite his lack of goals, Pulis believes that the England forward played "brilliantly" against Everton last weekend.

The 55-year-old told reporters: "You pick a team you think will do well and I thought Peter linked the play brilliantly for us at Everton.

"Scoring goals is one of the areas we have got to look at. I have fantastic respect for Peter. He's an absolute dream player to work with.

"Every day in training his enthusiasm is infectious. He trains with a smile on his face."

The 32-year-old has scored a total of six goals in 32 appearances this season.