Higginbotham is in his second spell with the Potters

Stoke City coach Mark O'Connor insists Danny Higginbotham has been one of their best players since winning back his place in the team.

The 31-year-old has earned praise after returning to the team in December.

O'Connor told BBC Radio Stoke: "The manager has had some difficult choices to make. Danny was in the team and then out of the team.

"His attitude has been terrific and his performances have been up there with the best in the team."

The former Manchester United trainee started the first four Premier League matches of the campaign, but then lost his place to Danny Collins following his £2.75m arrival from Sunderland.

But injuries to Ryan Shawcross and Abdoulaye Faye allowed Higginbotham back into the side.

The versatile defender, who can play at left-back or centre-back, has started the last seven matches for the Potters including the 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

"That's what you have a squad for, we needed people to step in at the weekend," said O'Connor.

"Glenn Whelan, Ricardo Fuller and Danny Collins all came in and we ended up beating Arsenal, so it shows you that our squad has some strength to it."

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