Mark Hughes hails his ‘perfect’ goalkeeper pairing of Jack Butland and Lee Grant
Stoke boss wants fit again Butland and Player of the Year Grant to stay and battle it out at the bet365 Stadium next season
MARK HUGHES wants his ‘perfect’ keeper pairing of Jack Butland and Lee Grant to stay at Stoke next season.
Grant was voted the Potters’ Player of the Year this week, a choice backed by boss Hughes.
But ex-Derby stopper Grant admits he wants more Premier League football now he has had a taste of it.
Stoke No 1 Butland returned in April after the England stopper spent a year out with an ankle injury.
Grant, 34, has been linked with moves to Brighton, Watford and Crystal Palace this summer. But Hughes wants both his stoppers at the bet365 Stadium next term.
Hughes said: “Lee’s award was fully deserved, he got my vote. Most clubs in the Premier League have got at least two outstanding keepers.
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“We are trying to make sure we are strong enough to compete — and to do that you need two top keepers. Lee has had a fantastic time and that’s been acknowledged by everybody — myself, the staff and, importantly the players and fans.
“From my point of view, managers will always be selfish because they want good players to stay.
“Having the services of Lee and Jack as a goalkeeping group is perfect. It’s difficult for keepers because there is always a No 1 and there is a No 2 — but we have two No 1s really.
“Whoever I pick I know will give Premier League standard performances.
“It’s fair to say we’re at a point now where Jack knows if he starts in the side — or when he comes back in the summer fit and well and starts — he knows Lee will still be there pushing him all the way.
“There may well be interest in Lee this summer. But he’s got a good thing here, I think he recognises that.
“He will definitely get game time next year, I am sure of that.”
Stoke finish up the season at Southampton on Sunday.