Jack Butland pain free after making Stoke return in pre-season

Jack Butland has thanked Stoke's medical staff after coming through his first 45 minutes since fracturing an ankle.

Butland missed Euro 2016 after surgery to repair damage suffered during England's friendly against Germany in March.

The goalkeeper is back in training ahead of the new Premier League season and started Stoke's defeat to Burton Albion on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet before he was replaced at half-time.

"I'm really pleased to be back and get some minutes under my belt," Butland told the club's official website. 

"From a mental point of view as well, the last time I was on pitch I broke my ankle, so to get through that and feel what it's like to be back on the pitch is really good. 

"I felt good, I felt strong and my ankle feels really good as well which is really positive. Initially after the operation I wasn't doing a lot. 

"I concentrated on getting the swelling down and getting the movement back and over the summer. I came in two weeks early and there was always someone from the medical team on hand to help me through stuff. 

"They've ultimately got me back to where I am, which is fit and playing with no pain, so a lot of credit has to got to them."

Stoke begin the new season at Middlesbrough on August 13 and host Manchester City a week later, live on Sky Sports.