Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is edging closer to a playing return.

Butland, 23, has been out for almost a year after fracturing his ankle on England duty.

He went under the knife after limping off in the March friendly against Germany.

Butland has since ditched the crutches but was given a big boost yesterday when his specialist gave him the thumbs-up.

Butland tweeted: “Really happy because he's very pleased with how my ankle is looking – now to kick on."

Lee Grant has impressed as a stand-in but Butland could still play a part in the run-in.