Cresswell wants better than 17th

Richard Cresswell scored 11 league goals last season (Getty)

Richard Cresswell believes Stoke City can do better than expected next season and replicate the success of other newly-promoted clubs in the top flight.

The likes of Reading and Birmingham City have started life in the Premier League with a mid-table finish, and Cresswell says Stoke can do the same.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've seen teams go up before and do well. And we can't see why we can't do that.

"But we have to be realistic too, and it's going to be a tough year."

The 30-year-old striker has played in the Premier League before with Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester City. And, having had those experiences, he knows more about what may lie ahead in the coming season.

"It's going to be tough," said Cresswell, "but we've got a great team spirit here.

"We're all looking forward to the start of the season.

"If we can stick together like we did last year, there's no reason why we can't do well."