Mark Hughes doesn't want Stoke to let go of top striker Peter Crouch

TALL ORDER: Mark Hughes is determined to keep huge striker Peter Crouch at the Britannia

Stoke aren't ready yet to say so long to 6ft 7in striker Peter Crouch.

It could be farewell come the end of the season - but not if boss Mark Hughes has his way.

The giant hitman is out of contract at the end of the season but Hughes reckons his career could stretch every bit as far as his frame.

The former England star has three goals to his name already this season, including the winner which sank Newcastle last week.

Now he has his sights on Sunderland and Hughes admits he's in no desperate rush to show him the door.

The Potters boss believes that because Crouch's game has never been reliant on pace, he could squeeze out plenty more time at the top.

Hughes said: "My game was never based on pace and I managed to keep going until I was 38."

"Peter has the ability to do that I'm sure. He might not get a contract until he's 38 though."

"We value Peter. He's unique in terms of what he does and what he offers."

"He's a threat in the air and technically he's an excellent player. He's great to have in the dressing room as well. He's a fantastic personality."

"There are a lot of key boxes that Peter ticks so to be able to replace him would be very difficult. I'm sure the club will be thinking about having more conversations with him and we'll see where that takes us."

Crouch is 34 in January but Hughes doesn't see that as being a major obstacle.

"His strengths aren't aligned to the qualities that go first, namely pace, so he's not dependent on being able to run away from people," he added.

"To that end and given the other attributes he's got he can play for a lot longer."