Former Stoke City boss Paul Lambert has defended new Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

Shaqiri completed a £13.5m switch to Liverpool in July but was accused of failing to work hard as Stoke City slid out of the Premier League under Lambert last term.

The Scot, however, has praised the former Inter Milan and Basel star and says he never had a problem with the 26-year-old during his tenure at the Potteries.

“People can say 'He never worked back' but listen, if he's creating something at the top end of the pitch, then you've got a chance," Lambert said. “Fifteen games, I never had one problem.

“He was great to work with, never had any problem with him switching off, turning off, not trying, not wanting it - and that's me being honest.

“I couldn't argue about what Shaq done for us. He was a terrific player, never had one bit of bother. I always think these type of players are temperamental a little bit and that's not a slant on him at all."