Mark Hughes "really pleased" with progress of Jack Butland

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has praised goalkeeper Jack Butland for his impressive recent displays.

The 22-year-old has started the last three games for the Potters due to the uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of first-choice Asmir Begovic, who has been heavily linked with a move away.

Hughes told reporters: "Jack is progressing really well and I'm really pleased. In the last three games he's arguably got better with each game. That's what I thought he would do when I decided to bring him in and give him his chance.

"It was important he played in games that meant something and that's why I put him in."

Butland joined Stoke from Birmingham City in 2013.