Stoke City boss Mark Hughes says Lee Grant took his axing well following the return to full fitness of Jack Butland.

Grant has stepped aside for Butland with five games remaining - after playing 30 consecutive league and cup games for the Potters following his arrival from Derby County reserves last August.

"It was difficult," Hughes conceded, "but that was because of how well Lee had done.

"I was comfortable with the reason why I needed to bring Jack in because I needed to know if he would be sound for pre-season. We couldn't get into the situation we faced last year leading into the new season, so we had to have comfort Jack was ready to go (next season)."