Mark Hughes wary of Cameron Jerome threat as striker takes on former club

MARK HUGHES will warn his men that Cameron Jerome could come back to haunt Stoke.

 

The Stoke boss sold the striker to Norwich 12 months ago for £1.5m and he has hardly stopped scoring since.

The 29-year-old banged in 21 to help the Canaries win promotion last season and has been catching the eye again on his return to the top flight.

But Hughes said his decision to get rid of the former Cardiff and Birmingham man was no reflection on his ability.

Jerome will be out to prove a point when Stoke visit Carrow Road today but he certainly won't be catching his old boss unawares.

 

Hughes said: "He was always a threat, and he always will be. He's a player we'll have to be mindful of.

"He's scored goals at Championship level, and he's got pace and power. We will have to be ready.

"Selling Cameron was more about circumstances than anything else. We were looking to generate funds and he was a player who had a value. There was a market for him."

Norwich remain in the hunt for a new forward despite manager Alex Neil refuting claims both Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel are set to leave Carrow Road.

 

Neil has been rebuffed in an approach to sign Republic of Ireland international Jonathan Walters from Mark Hughes' side.

Walters scored 11 goals for Stoke last season but his place in Hughes' team will come under increased threat following the club-record arrival of Xherdan Shaqiri, who is in the squad.

Walters' contract expires next summer but Norwich will have to increase their initial bid, believed to be worth £1.5million if they are to prize away the 31-year-old before September 1.