Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt has described Stoke City striker Peter Crouch as 'a great player' ahead of their meeting this afternoon.

The Dutch international, who starred alongside Crouch at Anfield during his three seasons at the club, admits that the Reds missed his presence after he left for Portsmouth in 2008.

"[Crouch] was great here, he scored some great goals, and he was also a great lad in the dressing room," he said.

"We missed him a bit after he went but he has done well for all the clubs he has gone to, and now he's doing it again with Stoke.

"He is strong in the air but, when he was here, he was good with his feet as well. We had lots of fun with him, he was a good dancer!"

Crouch has scored seven goals in 22 appearances for the Potters.