Year from hell but Jack’s back
KEEPER BUTLAND IN ACTION AFTER ENGLAND INJURY AGONY
JACK BUTLAND says he is “relieved and happy” to be making his Premier League return – after a 13-month injury nightmare.
The Stoke keeper has not played a competitive game since March 2016 when he suffered a fractured ankle while playing for England in a 3-2 win over Germany in Berlin.
The 24-year-old was initially out for a few months, but further setbacks prolonged his absence.
Butland took a major step to a first-team return on Monday, playing 90 minutes as Stoke Under-23s lost 2-0 at Brighton.
After the game, Butland declared there had been “no issues” and now he is closing in on a first-team return and his place as Stoke No.1.
Butland said: “When I recovered from the first operation it wasn’t too bad, it was the feeling like I was back.
“Then the day before the first game of the season it was going pear-shaped.
“That three months leading into the last operation was tough. It was back and forth to specialists, trying to get it right.
“I recovered from the first operation, which later set me back, but I was playing in preseason so I was pretty good then. It’s been eight months since my last game so I’m pretty pleased.
“I’m just relieved and happy to be back out on the pitch. It’s where I’m happiest. I’m finally back where I wanted to be.”
Lee Grant has been impressive in Butland’s absence, persuading Stoke boss Mark Hughes to sign him on a permanent basis, after taking him on loan from Derby.
Butland added: “He’s done better than well. He’s been one of our best players this season.
“I enjoy challenges and I’ve just come off of the biggest challenge I’ll ever have, so I’m raring to go.”