Wednesday 2 December 2015 15:12, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes was delighted Ibrahim Afellay demonstrated his quality in the Capital One Cup quarter-final victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
The former Barcelona midfielder has been struggling to live up to the excitement which was generated among Potters fans when he signed over the summer.
Afellay was sent off against West Brom in only his fourth game for Stoke and has failed to regain a starting place in the team since, but the 29-year-old took advantage of his return against the Owls and scored his first goal for the club with a superb volley.
Hughes said: "I thought he played really well - arguably one of his best games since he has come to the club.
"But he is a quality player. You look at his CV and he is a player of talent.
"So we shouldn't be surprised when he is able to score a goal like that. It was a great strike."
Stoke wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 victory when substitute Phil Bardsley netted after 75 minutes to seal a place in the semi-final of the competition for the first time since 1972.
And Hughes was particularly pleased with the performance as he had made five changes to his starting line-up.
"I think this showed how strong the squad is," Hughes said.
"Everyone is pushing in the right direction and when I do make changes, guys can come in and make an impression like they did here.
"That is really encouraging from my point of view - that they are training well and correctly, and allowing themselves to make an impact when called upon."
