Stoke City boss Mark Hughes believes Charlie Adam has the potential to play a key holding midfield role for the team.

The Scotland international has operated alongside Glenn Whelan in the centre of midfield in the Potters' back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Aston Villa which leads Hughes to believe that perhaps he would be able to hold down the role vacated by reigning Player of the Year Steven N'Zonzi who left for Sevilla in the summer.

"I thought Glenn and Charlie did really well together," Hughes said in the wake of the Villa win which saw Adam almost score a stunning 70-yard goal similar to the one against Chelsea last season.

"I know there is a theory that maybe Charlie can't play that disciplined role, but I think he has shown in the two games I've played him there that's he's got good potential.

"It's the range of his passing that I wanted in there. It's what his strength is and when we can get him on the ball he's able to keep us in possession and good continuity to his work, but he's also got that ability to pick people out from far.

"Goodness me, he almost scored another wonder goal. There are not too many players who have the vision and ability to do that."