Hughes Praises Walters Performance Against Leicester

Jonathan Walters was denied a move away from Stoke
City, but Mark Hughes has been impressed with the
forward's response to the situation.

Mark Hughes lauded Jonathan Walters' response to the
rejection of the forward's transfer request after the Republic of
Ireland international scored in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League
draw with Leicester City.

Walters sought to leave the club last month after failing to agree
terms on a new contract, but put that issue to one side as he
helped Stoke into a 2-0 lead at the Britannia Stadium.

And though Leicester fought back to claim a share of the spoils,
Hughes singled out Walters for special praise.

"I've said to you guys before that he's a great professional," said
Hughes. "There's a situation that developed in the window but
that opportunity is gone now.

"He just needed to get playing, get his head down and
concentrate on his football. I had a conversation with him to
that end and that's exactly what he's done.

"Jon wants an extra year, I think that's been well documented.

That's not on the table at the moment, but he'll carry on
focusing like he does."