Stoke City legend Denis Smith believes his former club need to sign players similar to former Potters midfielder Glenn Whelan.

The Irishman was allowed to leave Stoke at the end of last season after spending 10 seasons at bet 365 Stadium.

Whelan was with the Potters when they were promoted to the Premier League and his combative style of play epitomised why the club managed to remain in the top-fight for just under a decade.

And Smith believes the lack of hard-working players like Whelan was what lead to them being relegated this season.

Smith said: "It seems as if people are now talking about working hard as a bonus but that's just the starting point. It doesn't mean chasing all over the place, it's about putting your brain in gear. People get excited about players running around but sometimes I just think, 'Idiot!'

"Loads of people didn't like Glenn Whelan but he was brilliant because he did his job perfectly. You don't need or want him to do drag backs or step overs, he did his job consistently – and he was one of those who would dig out those who didn't in the changing room.

"You need those kind of people in the club."