Stoke City hero Mark Stein is backing Mark Hughes for success at the Potteries.

The pair were together at Chelsea from 1995 to 1998, when Stein was impressed by Hughes's fierce determination and will to win.

Stein told The Sentinel: "I think Tony Pulis was unfortunate to lose his job and I don't think anyone should forget the unbelievable job he did. But Mark will also bring that typical Stoke City spirit to the club.

"At Chelsea he was a very quiet sort of person, often kept his own counsel, but was still really good in the dressing room.

"Having played for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, what came across was that determination and will to win which was really embedded in him.

"It seems to me he's taken those attributes into management and I think this is a good appointment.

"He had a bad time at QPR, but overall his management record is good. The most important thing is he is at a good club and he is working for a chairman and family who will support him."