Stoke City boss Gary Rowett has admitted that he may have to bring Peter Crouch into the team for Wednesday's clash against Wigan - which could signal a more direct approach.

The experienced striker made a positive impact as a substitute in the weekend draw with Preston, scoring a matter of minutes after coming on.

And, after another disappointing performance, Rowett is considering bringing Crouch in and acknowledges that will see the side go longer quicker to the tall target man.

"Crouchy knows himself we don’t want to be that team really but at times in games you have to find a different way to do things and in the three games so far we’ve not passed the ball well enough," he told the Stoke Sentinel.

"So you end up having to do something that can get you back into the game and Crouchy has given us a real platform to do something off every time he’s been on the pitch."

"He’s looked the most threatening player and maybe we have to start looking to have to start with Crouchy."

The Verdict

Stoke have underperformed massively in the opening three games and the fact they don't have a win will be a major worry.

Despite a big summer spending spree, they aren't doing enough in the final third and the results are a concern.

Ultimately, it's about getting wins and at the minute you'd have to say the team look a lot better when Crouch plays. So if Rowett has to alter the way he plays to include the big man it may be a small price to pay.

Thoughts, Stoke fans? Let us know in the comments below.