Crouch was named man of the match after setting up Mame Biram Diouf’s opener and then scoring his side’s second.

But Rangers equalised on each occasion, through first Steven Caulker’s deflected header and then Niko Kranjcar’s superb free-kick.

“It’s a huge disappointment,” Crouch told BT Sport.

“I think we should have been leading at half-time and to not win the game... I think we were the better team and derserved to win.”

Kranjcar’s goal came after Steve Sidwell’s needless foul and Crouch was not surprised to see his former Portsmouth team-mate exact full revenge.

“I knew he was a threat and then he goes and does that,” he said.

“It was a great free-kick but if you don’t go and get the three or four goals, you’re always susceptible to that.

“It was a bit of a sucker blow, it’s hard to take but if you don’t punish teams you’re always susceptible to drawing a game.”

Rangers manager Harry Redknapp was not happy with Crouch’s part in Stoke’s opener, with the former England striker appearing to climb on defender Rio Ferdinand as he headed the ball square to Diouf.

“It was a definite foul,” said Redknapp.

“I love Crouchy, I’ve signed him before – I’ve spent more time with Crouchy than my wife! – but that was definitely a foul.”

He was happy with the outcome, however, and said: “It’s a vital point, every point is vital to us in this division.

“It’s a good point and it makes it a decent weekend – it’s not a great weekend but it’s not a terrible weekend.”