Stoke City striker Peter Crouch is delighted with the arrival of Michael Owen.

Crouch feared Owen was going to slip through the Potters' fingers at the last moment, with speculation rife that Liverpool was on the verge of a swoop.

He confessed: "It was a concern and I was a bit surprised Brendan Rodgers didn't try to take him.

"He has said before he was short of strikers and someone like Michael Owen is a great signing for anyone.

"He definitely raises the global awareness of Stoke City and we've brought in other fantastic players like Charlie Adam, Steven N'Zonzi and Michael Kightly.

"Three or four years ago, these players would not have dreamed of coming to Stoke. But guys of the calibre of Michael Owen want to come here now.

"I think they can see the club is hoping really to push on and make an impact on the Premier League."