Stoke City boss Tony Pulis wants his midfield to step up their support to striker Peter Crouch.

The ex-England striker has hit the net just once since an aerial challenge with Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini smashed out three of his teeth in November.

Pulis said: "Crouchie's OK - he's had all the stuff done. Things had to be reset in his jaw but now he's as pretty as ever!

"Crouchie is more set now than he was a month ago and settled down. He has no problems whatsoever.

"I've looked at the stats and the videos and you have to give the forwards an opportunity to score goals.

"If there's one weakness, it is that we have not got any end products - and you cannot blame the forwards for that.

"It's a little lack of confidence. When we started the season we had a better balance than we have now but we have to turn things around."