Assistant manager Mark Bowen has stated that Jon Walters remains an indispensible member of the Stoke City side.

Walters has been a key player for Stoke since his arrival from Ipswich Town five seasons ago but with the influx of stars such as Ibrahim Afellay and Marko van Ginkel this summer, it was believed that the Irishman could be set for an exit from the Britannia Stadium.

However, Walters has started both of Stoke's Premier League matches so far and now Bowen has dropped a huge hint that the 31-year-old forward will not be leaving the club anytime soon.

Bowen told the Stoke Sentinel: "I wouldn't lose sight of the fact that it's not just what they do on the ball, but off the ball as well, and in that sense I include the likes of Jon Walters, who's invaluable.

"The manager will pick teams to go and win Premier League games. Every fan will have a dream team in his own mind, but not one that will necessarily equate to winning Premier League games."