Stoke City boss Mark Hughes backs Jack Butland for England
Friday 30 October 2015 14:09, UK
Stoke manager Mark Hughes believes goalkeeper Jack Butland is growing in stature by the day and is convinced he will soon be challenging Joe Hart for the England jersey.
Butland has been in impressive form for the Potters this season having become first choice 'keeper after Asmir Begovic moved to Chelsea.
Hughes' side knocked defending champions Chelsea out of the Capital One Cup on penalties in midweek, with Butland making the decisive save to keep out Eden Hazard's spot-kick.
"Jack is playing exceptionally well and is full of confidence, which is a big thing for goalkeepers," said Hughes. "He is enjoying his work and being No 1 here - it is what he believes he should be.
"He is growing day on day in terms of his presence and influence on the team and that is credit to him."
Butland made his second senior England appearance earlier this month in the 3-0 win away to Lithuania in their final European Qualifier and Hughes feels the 22-year-old could add to his tally in the future.
"I think Jack will play many games at international level," he added. "There is an exceptional goalkeeper in Joe Hart ahead of him at the moment, who is still a very young man himself, so there will be great competition for that position in the years to come.
"I think if Jack keeps fit and well and progressing at the rate he is at the moment, it will be a huge choice for whoever is the England manager - but a nice choice to have."
