Stoke City boss Mark Hughes says Darren Fletcher deserves the captaincy.

The Scot has taken the armband with Ryan Shawcross sidelined due to injury.

“That was an easy decision really," Hughes explained. “Ryan wasn't available and Darren, in the short time he's been here, has shown real leadership quality which we knew he would do.

“Given the experience he's had and the trophies he's won, that experience he looks to impact in the right manner. He demands of people and leads by example.

“It's only a short period he's been here, but he's displaying everything we knew he would."