Richard Cresswell has yet to score a Premier League goal for Stoke City

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis was left disappointed by a group of fans who booed Richard Cresswell in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

The 31-year-old striker was jeered by a section of travelling supporters when he was replaced at Craven Cottage.

But Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "He puts a shift in and he's a very honest kid. He's been great for us.

"You don't want to hear that booing, especially when our supporters have been rightly getting all the plaudits."

Pulis added: "I thought Richard worked hard. You need someone up alongside Ricardo Fuller who will do all of that grafting.

"He helped get us promoted and I hope he helps us stay in this league."

Cresswell has played a part in 27 of Stoke's 34 Premier League matches this season, but is yet to score in the top flight for the Potters.

His only strike this season came in the League Cup at Cheltenham in August.

Midfielder Liam Lawrence supported his manager's view about the former York, Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester, Preston and Leeds striker.

"He wears his heart on his sleeve and he really does try hard," Lawrence told BBC Radio Stoke. "It's disappointing for us to hear because we're his team-mates and we want him to do well.

"I'd ask those fans who booed to just give him a chance and get behind him, because he's giving his all for Stoke City."

Cresswell, who was signed in August 2007, scored 11 goals as the Potters were promoted to the top flight for the first time since 1985.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version