Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has hailed the influence of Shay Given.

Given has been brought in by manager Mark Hughes to provide Butland competition for places for the number one spot between the sticks at Stoke following the summer departure of Asmir Begovic to Chelsea.

39-year-old Republic of Ireland international Given certainly brings a wealth of experience to the Britannia Stadium and Butland has said that the former Aston Villa gloveman's influence has already had a lasting impact on him.

"He's similar to dealing with Tommy Sorensen, just incredible goalkeepers that have been there and done it at every level, incredible role models for me," he told the Stoke Sentinel.

"I've known Shay for a while, played against him a few times, been to a few conferences with him and always got on with him. He's brilliant to speak to and brilliant to have around."