Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has praised Bojan Krkic's professionalism after the Spaniard came off the bench to rescue a point against West Ham on Saturday.
The Potters had been the better team for most of the match but found themselves trailing due to Glenn Whelan's unfortunate own goal. With Hughes turning to his substitutes for a solution, Bojan popped up in the box to volley the visitors level.
Speaking after the game, Hughes was quick to praise Stoke's goalscorer and hailed Bojan's mentality, after the froward has found himself out-of-favour in recent weeks.
Hughes toldSky Sports:"He's been unfortunate. Joe's come in, I've changed his position and he's been fantastic.
"Bojan's been affected by Joe's form but he's trained really well while he's been out of the side and his focus is spot on.It has to be, because when you're called you have to make an impact. He was ready and that's what we need."
The draw means the Potters remain unbeaten in six games, having started the season with a terrible seven game winless run. Whilst it does end Stoke's three matchwinning streak, Hughes admitted he was still happy with the point.
FULL-TIME West Ham 1-1 Stoke. Bojan's volley ensures Stoke get a point after Glenn Whelan's own goal at the London Stadium #WHUSTK pic.twitter.com/2ly5fpntae
The Welshman said:"I was really pleased. It was a good away performance.
"We came with a bit of confidence, in good nick and looking for a fourth win on the trot. We weren't quite able to do that but we've kept our run going which is something.
"We've clearly turned our season around - a lot was made of the opening few games, and we had a poor performance against Crystal Palace and a half against Tottenham.
"Apart from that we were always in games, we knew we weren't far from getting back to the level we're capable of, and we've proved that.
Despite being content with the draw, Stoke may have come away from the capital with more than a point, having been the better side for much of the game.
And Hughes admitted that he feltWest Ham's goal, which was scored against the run of play, was harsh on his team.
The Welshman added:"Their goal was a little bit unfortunate - I think there was a slight deflection as they challenged for the ball and that has just taken the ball away from Lee Grant.
"We felt hard done by because at that point we'd never really been under any pressure and were always trying to take the game to West Ham."