Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has hailed the leadership of skipper Ryan Shawcross.
Hughes feels the defender has been an outstanding captain for the club.
“Every player has a different personality," said Hughes, “and does the (captain's) role in a different way.
“Ryan has got a lot of affinity and empathy with the club. He's been here a long time and developed here and that emotion is perfect for the role of captain because he transfers that to the players and makes them understand how important it is we do well as a group.
“I think his emotional ties to the club are really important to us."
Meanwhile, Stoke City striker Tyrese Campbell was amongst the goals for victory over Charlton Athletic U23.
Campbell scored twice in the 3-0 win.
The young Potters raced two to the good in the first half hour in the Premier League Cup group match, thanks to goals from Campbell and Scott Wara.
And they were content to see out the game before Campbell added a third late on with a superb free-kick.