STOKE manager Mark Hughes has refused to rule out a push for the Champions League over the second half of the season.
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| Mark Hughes believes Stoke could challenge for the top four |
Hughes’ men are six points outside the top four after winning both of their Christmas fixtures so far – beating Manchester United and Everton.
Winger Xherdan Shaqiri has suggested that Stoke can push for top-class European football, having defeated United, Manchester City and Chelsea this season.
And Hughes, whose side visit West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday, says it is not out of the question.
He said: “Who knows this season? Whether it’s a sign of things to come, or the changing of the order, I’m not too sure about that.
“It’s fantastic to see teams such as Leicester up there, we’re having a go, and so are Crystal Palace and West Ham, teams like that.
“We’re in the top half and we’re there on merit. I think all teams are going into games and backing their ability against anybody and see how far it takes us.
“Up to this point, we’ve been really encouraged by what we’ve been able to produce. We’ve just got to keep it going.
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| Stoke have torn Manchester United and Manchester City to pieces this season |
“We know we can beat anybody in this league. But there are a lot of teams in this league who will say exactly the same.
“It’s about consistency and results. If we can do that, who knows where we can go? We’re on track.
“We had targets before the start of the season, and they’re still very much in our minds. We’re above where we thought we would be at this stage of the season, and that’s encouraging.
“Over the last few years, we’ve been strong over the second half of the season, so we’re looking forward to 2016.”
Midfielder Stephen Ireland and defender Marc Muniesa are close to full fitness after recent hamstring injuries, but neither will be fit for the West Brom trip.
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