Mark Hughes backs Stoke to bounce back following Everton defeat

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has backed his side to bounce back follow a 3-0 defeat at home to Everton.

Defeat at Everton was Stoke's third straight 3-0 loss in the league and the fourth straight Premier League game they have failed to register a goal.

Hughes admitted his side are below par at the moment but back his players to show a much-needed response, starting next week against Bournemouth.

"From our point of view, we need to have a much better level than we were able to show today," Hughes told Sky Sports.

"We're struggling a bit defensively and continuity in terms of selection isn't there at the moment. But we'll get that right. Hopefully next week we'll have some players back and we'll look a bit more solid.

"We've invested a lot in the team and there's responsibility on us all to produce, myself included.

"We'll get it right. We've bounced back before and we will do again. Today was a disappointment because it was the first game back at the Britannia.

"We were looking forward to it but we fluffed our lines. We've got a clear week for the first time in a number of weeks and we can get some good work in. That will help us leading into Bournemouth next week."

Hughes handed new club record signing Giannelli Imbula a debut and the Stoke boss was pleased with his £18.3m man's contribution on what was a difficult day for the club.

"I thought he did well," Hughes added.

"Obviously on a disappointing day, he was the one positive for us. When he got on the ball, he showed he was comfortable in possession. He'll drive the game for us.

"It was difficult given the circumstances of the game for him to dominate but he will be a good player for us. I think he will be a good player for us.

"He showed in glimpses he's got the quality we want."