Stoke manager Mark Hughes says Peter Crouch is back to his best

Mark Hughes believes Peter Crouch is playing some of the best football of his career and is confident he will get a new contract.

Stoke ended a run of five games without a win as Ryan Shawcross and Crouch netted in a 2-0 victory over Watford. 

Crouch had been out in the wilderness under Hughes but his second goal in three days put a strong case forward for his contract - which expires in July - to be renewed at the end of the season.

"He's been playing really well and fully merits his place in the team," Hughes said.

"If you put balls in the right areas you know he'll take chances as he has done that his entire career. He's done that in the three games he's played. We're pleased for him."

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When asked if Crouch will be given a new contract, Hughes said: "That's my view anyway. I'm sure we'll get something done He's playing as well as he ever has done, arguably as well as three or four years ago. His attributes aren't going to change anytime soon."

Stoke came into this game on the back of two defeats, where they conceded four goals apiece against Liverpool and Chelsea and Hughes knew the significance of this victory.

"It was an important win," Hughes said.

"We have played better and been beaten in recent weeks. It wasn't about that today, it was about getting the job done. We got the goals at good times. We saw the game out comfortably.

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"There wasn't too many moment of anxiety. That was down to our defensive play. It's good to get back on track and that we kept a clean sheet as we've shipped some poor goals in the last couple of weeks but that was better today."