Peter Crouch says he is "appreciating" football more than ever and wants to keep playing for several years, even though his Stoke future is unclear with his current deal expiring next summer.

And, speaking to Sky Sports, the 36 year old revealed how much he is enjoying playing at the moment.

"When you do see the end and get past a certain age it's a little bit scary and the minutes you get are more precious than they were 10 years ago," he said.

"I appreciate them more than I did when I was 25. I want to stay in this game as long as I can.

"I don't think my attributes have changed and I haven't had many injuries, so if I can maintain that I can go on for a few years yet. I want to play at this level as long as I can.

"I love coming in every day training and playing the games. It's exciting; it's what I want to be doing."

Although Crouch is appreciating his time on the pitch, he does admit that he would like to have more of it.

"I still feel great and hungry enough to be starting games. That's what I want to do," he said.

"When I have got in the side I have felt I have done well, but for whatever reason we change things and I have to be ready to come off the bench.

"I think I am the closest I have been to starting a game, putting pressure on the manager by coming on and doing ok and scoring goals, so hopefully I have put enough pressure on him to warrant a start, and I hope that's on Monday at Brighton."

Asked about his contract situation, Crouch added: "I would like to get things sorted. I love it here and I don't see any real reason to move.

"If I was getting no minutes it would be difficult but I am playing games and knocking on the door to start games. I am happy here so I would probably like to stay. If things aren't sorted out before January I would have to look at options, but I am happy here and hope the club feel the same."