Crouch says Championship quality has improved
Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has said that the quality of the championship has impressed him since his club's relegation from the Premier League.
The former Tottenham and England man, now 37, who had previous spells in the English second tier with QPR in the 2000/2001 season and Portsmouth (2001/02).
He has been pleasantly surprised by the lack of a drop off in quality in comparison to the top tier and has backed players performing in the Championship to make the step up.
"I do think the standard is a lot higher than when I was last in the Championship," he told 'Sky Sports'.
"There's a lot of young players who could adapt to the Premier League quite comfortably.
"I've been very impressed with some of the technical ability in this league.
"I think maybe, there's a misconception that it's tougher, more long-balls, a bit more physical - and yes it is physical - but I've been very impressed with the technique of some of the young players that are perhaps a little bit more unknown to people who just watch the Premier League."