Norwich City boss Chris Hughton has described Stoke City as a "role model" to recently-promoted sides.

Stoke were widely tipped for an immediate return to the Championship after gaining promotion to the top flight in 2008, but have since established themselves as a strong, mid-table team, even reaching Europe last season.

Hughton believes that Stoke have set an example of how to survive the first few years in the top flight that he hopes his side can follow.

"They are an excellent role model for the likes of ourselves," Hughton said. "In this division after getting promotion you normally have a few tough years but they have improved every year and have brought in better quality every year.

"They are is a very well established Premier League team now.

"I'm sure they couldn't bring in someone of the quality of Michael Owen six or seven years ago."

Norwich, who currently sit 16th in the Premier League, will host the Potters at Carrow Road on Saturday.