Mark Hughes insists forward Jon Walters is still a key part of his plans.

The Republic of Ireland international handed in a transfer request at the Britannia Stadium after it was clear that his interest in a new three-year deal would not be met, prompting unsuccessful offers from Norwich City.

31-year-old Walters, in the final year of his contract, was seeking security as his career heads towards its end and Hughes is well aware that the player was simply looking out for himself.

The Potters boss added that he has no doubt in his mind that Walters will brush that summer situation aside and continue to give his all for the Staffordshire club he joined from Ipswich Town in 2010.

"His immediate future and his future at the weekend is that he will be involved with our game against Arsenal," said Hughes.

"Jon's not the only player that's gone through a similar situation during the transfer window. Once the window closes you have to refocus and get on with the job in hand.

"Jon's a very, very good professional. He'll get his head down. He's had a couple of weeks away with the international squad, did really well and scored a goal so it shows his focus was total for his international team. It will be similar for Stoke City; I'm absolutely certain of that.

"The transfer window is not easy for players, for managers, for football clubs. It is a distraction.

"Once the distraction is out of the way, then you focus on what's important which is playing football."

He added: "I've said that until I'm blue in the face - yes, we want Jon to stay."