Stoke boss Mark Hughes boosted by Jack Butland's return to training
Friday 21 October 2016 10:27, UK
Mark Hughes has revealed Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland is back in training following ankle surgery.
Butland has not featured for the Potters since March after suffering a fractured ankle in England's 3-2 friendly win over Germany.
It was originally hoped Butland would return for the start of the Premier League season, but the 23-year-old was forced to undergo further surgery after damaging scar tissue around the previous injury in training in August.
"He was out on the pitch yesterday for the first time. [It was] light movements but we're encouraged that the issue has been addressed," Hughes said.
"He had a procedure which has loosened ligaments in the ankle, which were a bit sticky for want of a better word.
"We're hopeful we can keep him on the grass. Hopefully we can get through this period and he can progress very quickly.
"It's difficult for him. He's a big personality but he's very focused. The injury before day one was very hard to take not just for Jack but for everyone.
"But he shrugged his shoulders and got on with it and hopefully now he can see the return date coming up shortly."
Hughes also heaped praise on in-form midfielder Joe Allen ahead of Saturday's trip to Hull at the KCOM Stadium.
Allen, a £13m summer arrival from Liverpool, has been in fine form of late and scored both goals in last weekend's 2-0 win over Sunderland, taking his tally to four goals in his last three Premier League matches.
"I think he's surprised himself but having worked with him day in day out, among his many qualities he has this knack of anticipating where the ball will drop, in attacking areas too," Hughes added.
"That's why he's having this run of form and we hope it continues. Not only is he anticipating things like a striker, he's finishing like one as well. Listening to Joe, I think he has actually surprised himself."
Hull suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Bournemouth last time out and Hughes has warned his side over a potential reaction from the Tigers.
"They will be determined to put that right but I still think it's an opportunity for us if we can ask questions. If there is an issue with confidence that should help us," he said.
"But it's not easy and away games at this level are always hard. We're playing okay - in terms of our confidence we're in good shape."
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