World Cup veteran Robbie Earle insists Giannelli Imbula will prove his quality at Stoke City.

Earle wrote for The Sentinel: "I knew a little bit about Giannelli Imbula when he became Stoke's record signing in February and I thought it would be the perfect fit.

"As a modern midfielder he probably ticks eight out of 10 boxes well. He's strong, powerful and box to box. It's no insult to say he could be a poor man's Paul Pogba.

"Stoke have to stick with him and give him a chance because if and when he comes good, you've got a proper player on your hands.

"This might be the little kick he needs or he might take 12 months. We can discard people very quickly, but it is worth being patient."