Nathan Jones has a huge task on his hands as he attempts to lead Stoke City up the Championship table over the few weeks.

Performances and indeed results have just not been good enough this season and there are a number of issues that need to be fixed.

Whether Jones is able to improve on Gary Rowett’s work remains to be seen.

It is worth remembering that the Potters have a squad packed full of talent, but there are also players approaching the latter stages of their career.

Here, we have taken a look at three problems that Jones needs to fix at Stoke as soon as possible if results are to improve.

The form of the club’s defenders

Ryan Shawcross and Erik Pieters were among those to be heavily criticised following the 3-1 defeat at Brentford in the Championship last weekend.

Shawcross and Pieters are two players with huge experience, but both have struggled this season and the same can also be said for Ashley Williams.

Jones has talent to work with in the final third of the field, but Stoke will not win football matches unless they stop conceding goals.

Bruno Martins Indi has also been the subject of criticism from the Stoke fans and something has to change defensively from what has been seen this season.

Working with a goal-shy attack

In fairness to Benik Afobe - who recently completed a permanent move to the club - the striker has been in decent goalscoring form this season.

The same cannot be said for the likes of Saido Berahino, Peter Crouch and Mame Biram Diouf, however, with all three struggling in attack.

On paper, Stoke have a lot of talented forwards, but it is difficult to see where the goals come from unless Afobe gets his name on the scoresheet.

Making the Potters more productive and indeed more clinical in the final third is something that Jones has to make a priority following his arrival.

Finding a way to unleash Bojan

In terms of natural ability, Stoke have one of the best footballers in the Championship in the shape of Bojan. The former Barcelona youngster was effectively frozen out by Rowett, but now looks ready to play a part.

The 28-year-old scored seven Premier League goals during the club’s 2015-16 campaign and has the ability to be an absolute menace in the Championship.

If Jones can unleash Bojan over the next few months then there is absolutely no question that Stoke will be in a much better position come the end of the season.