Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has revealed why he decided to hand Jermaine Pennant new terms.
Hughes prepares for his first home match at the Britannia with Pennant in his thoughts to face Crystal Palace.
The Stoke boss said: "We had a man-to-man conversation and I asked him where he wanted to be.
"In the back of my own mind I didn't want him rocking up at the Britannia in opposition colours causing us problems.
"The lad can play - he's always had the ability. Maybe on occasions things away from football have held him back.
"He's got this reputation, but I've not seen that in him. For whatever reason, he had a situation where he wasn't playing so people jump to conclusions."
