Stoke City assistant manager Mark Bowen has stated that Joe Hart should be wary of Jack Butland for his number one spot between the sticks for the England national team.

Butland has done a magnificent job in replacing Asmir Begovic in goal for the Potters so far this season with some fine performances and it finally seems like the young goalkeeper has come of age.

Butland's performances have led to calls for the 22-year old to earn a recall to the England national team and Bowen believes that the promising custodian is capable of giving Manchester City and Three Lions number one Hart a run for his money as the number one choice for England.

Bowen said: "I've played with the likes of Shilton, Clemence and Jennings at different levels and would have worked with the likes of Brad Friedel, Asmir Begovic, Mark Schwarzer and Joe Hart as well and he's right up there with all of them.

"The one things that stands out - and of course he's got ability and stature - is the intelligence and the head on his shoulders which is way above his years. What he's got more than any other young player, let alone young goalkeeper that I've seen, is a fantastic mental capacity.

"He conducts himself like he's in his 30s almost and we've all got tremendous admiration for the lad. I'm sure Joe Hart will be looking over his shoulder and, with his ambition, I'm sure he will be pushing Joe very, very soon, if he's not already."