Pulis praises two-goal Crouch

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis singled out striker Peter Crouch for special praise after Monday’s 2-1 win at Blackburn.

Crouch scored twice in the first half at Ewood Park on Monday as Stoke collected their fourth away league win of the season to consolidate eighth place, one point behind Newcastle.

The England striker’s first goal was the 100th league goal of his career, but it was his second just before half-time that sealed the points for the visitors.

“(Peter) Crouch has been fantastic,” Pulis said.

“I thought him and (Jonathan) Woodgate were very, very good today – they’ve got great quality.”

“It’s not just what he does on the pitch, the two of them, it’s what they’re like off the field as well. They’ve been absolutely fantastic.”

“They’ve come to the football club as top, top players who have played for top clubs and their attitude towards the rest of the players and the group has just been fantastic.”

“I’m so pleased, he (Crouch) has not only just scored but he got his 101st (goal) here today.”

“It’s great for him, absolutely great. He’s unplayable at times.”

Pulis said Crouch was the ideal team player.

“If you stick the right quality in to him, he’ll score goals and he’s fit as a flea,” Pulis said.

“He’s played the full game against Wigan, he’s come here and played the full game today and right at the end he’s defending balls in our box, he’s up there winning balls in their box and absolutely brilliant, I’m really, really delighted for him – he’s a really top guy.”