'Bozenik shows Stoke's genuine strength in depth'

Robert Bozenik did not even need to think when asked what he needs to do to take his game to the next level.

"Goals, goals, goals," was the reply.

Making a rare start for Stoke in place of the rested Divin Mubama, Bozenik was singled out by his manager Mark Robins for praise despite leaving Tuesday's 3-0 win over Charlton without adding his name to the scoresheet.

He came close, firing just wide from the edge of the box in the second half but his work-rate and hold up play were superb.

Bozenik has never been prolific but has been working with Robins - a former forward himself - to improve his strike-rate.

Off the pitch, he says he has settled in well, sharing a commute with international team-mate Tomas Rigo from an area they both share with Burnley goalkeeper and fellow Slovakian Martin Dubravka.

On it, against Charlton he showed he can offer plenty to Stoke's season.

They have long had competition for places all over the pitch and Tatsuki Seko, Steven Nzonzi and Eric Bocat came in as Robins made four changes to his side and did well.

That has helped put them in a great position in the Championship table and now for the first time since arriving from Boavista in the summer, Bozenik has had a big part to play in a significant game.

With Mubama, the fit-again Sam Gallagher and Bozenik to choose from, Robins has options in the one area that had looked light.

Stoke have genuine depth and a real chance at getting themselves to January in a position to make a run at promotion to the Premier League.