Peter Crouch has topped off a resurgent few weeks by earning himself a new contract extension at Stoke City.
The lanky forward has contributed three league goals in nine appearances off the bench for the Potters so far this season, setting a new record for most Premier League substitute appearances (143) after coming on against Brighton last Monday night, as well as taking Alan Shearer’s crown as the apex headed goalscorer in Premier League history back in October.
36 – Peter Crouch is the oldest player to have scored in the 2017/18 @premierleague season so far (36y 278d vs Leicester City in November). Extension. pic.twitter.com/5OzF1RIyYK
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 28, 2017
Indeed, Crouch is actually Stoke’s top goalscorer so far this season with four goals overall, and as such the club have handed the 36-year-old a new one-year deal by way of reward…
#SCFC are delighted to announce that @petercrouch has signed a one-year contract extension, committing the talismanic striker to the club until at least the summer of 2019. pic.twitter.com/UmbwpLEaYs
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 28, 2017
The new deal will see Crouch contracted to the Potters until after his 38th birthday, though manager Mark Hughes believes the veteran can continue to present a viable threat in the meantime:
Peter still has so much to offer us. He continues to have a major impact on games, as he has proved on numerous occasions this season.
Whisper it quietly, but Pies would be sorely tempted to give Crouch a wild card spot in our England 2018 World Cup squad.
Let’s face it, his age isn’t much of a concern as pace has never been a virtue, and it’s not like Gareth Southgate is inundated with other eligible options. Just stick him in the middle and sling high balls at him. It’s a proven tactic.
What’s the worst that could happen?