Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has hailed the improvement of the squad ahead of the new campaign.

The former England international signed for the club in 2011, and he believes that the squad has been steadily getting better every year.

Crouch told reporters: "The [players we've signed] are top quality, top-quality signings. This is my fourth season now at Stoke City and the difference is calibre of players, confidence and size of the squad has improved no end.

"We'll look forward to having another successful season. I'm back to full fitness now and I'm 100% fit. I feel great and I'm looking forward to the season."

Stoke host Liverpool on the opening day of the campaign.