Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has praised the attitude and character of defender Marc Muniesa.

The 22-year-old joined the Potters from Barcelona last summer and has found it hard to break into the starting lineup.

However, the Spaniard grabbed a double in his side's 2-1 win in the League Cup against Sunderland earlier this week and Hughes admits that he is delighted with the impact he is beginning to make.

"Attitude aligned with ability can take you a long, long way and Marc has got that in abundance," Hughes told Stoke's official website.

"He has had to come through some difficult times in his football life given that he's had some really serious injuries. He has had to show character and resolve to come back from them and that's why when he has nights like he had the other night, everyone is really pleased for him.

"He's a good footballer but he's a good man as well. It's really pleasing when you see good guys making an impact and doing well. We're delighted he's here. He's had a great upbringing – he has a very strong family group around him and the education that he had at Barcelona speaks for itself."

Stoke take on Newcastle United in the Premier League tomorrow evening at the Britannia Stadium.