Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that he expects his team to climb the Premier League table sooner rather than later.

The Potters currently sit in 17th place in the standings after losing four of their last five matches, with 16 goals also being conceded during that period.

However, ahead of the club's trip to Watford, Hughes has insisted that he remains confident of leading the Staffordshire-based outfit back up the table.

The 53-year-old told reporters: "We have been in our position before in my first season and ended up ninth in the Premier League.

"I'd be concerned if I didn't feel we have the potential to have a good season. We don't anticipate being where we currently are for long."

Stoke have won just three of their last 14 games in the Premier League.