Butland excited ahead of Stoke return

Jack Butland is relishing a return to action before the end of the season, as the Stoke City goalkeeper ramps up his preparation after a nightmare 12 months.

The highly-rated England shot-stopper suffered a serious ankle injury in a friendly against Germany last season, keeping him out for an entire year – and forcing him to watch Lee Grant star in his absence.

But Butland is nearing a return and expects to be ready before the end of the Premier League season, with a few under-23 games lined up in the coming weeks to ease him back into the fold.

“This season’s been a complete washout,” he said.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

“There have been times when you’re waking up in the morning and it’s hurting again, then you go a week and it feels good,” he said.

“You’re stabbing in the dark not knowing what’s causing the issues. I had a dark couple of months. But I found a surgeon, who found that there was something easy to fix.

“I’m now motivated and ready to go. I’m not far off. I’m feeling fit and feeling strong. I’m kicking, diving and jumping and doing everything else I need to do.

“Next week I’ll be joining in with the boys fully. Then it will be down to getting some game time, whether it be behind-closed-doors or an Under-23 game.

“It would be beneficial for everyone, especially for me, if I can get some more games before I put this season to bed. That would be very positive for me.”