Hughes: Butland to keep Stoke starting place

Jack Butland is likely to remain in goal for the remainder of the season as he continues to step up his recovery from a serious ankle injury.

The Stoke goalkeeper missed over a year of action after suffering the injury on international duty, and three operations later he is finally fit and firing.

Lee Grant has deputised perfectly at the bet365 Stadium, but Mark Hughes wasted no time in restoring Butland to the team – and he has been rewarded with two fine displays so far.

Butland made some stunning stops against West Ham United last weekend, after conceding two against Swansea the week before.

And now Hughes says the England international is likely to keep Grant on the bench for the final three games.

“Jack will continue in goal this weekend, we feel it is important for him,” the City boss said.

“We wanted to get an away game into him and a home game, and we have managed to do that, so we are pleased with how he is progressing.

“He made a couple of important saves last week and looked good, so he will feature again this weekend.”