Crouch says Championship quality has improved

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."