Stoke City goalkeeper Lee Grant is keen for Jack Butland to return to full fitness.

Grant says they are good friends as well as respectful rivals ahead of a probable tussle for number one billing at the bet365.

"People will perhaps think I would be thinking the opposite, but the truth is I want Jack to be fit," Grant insisted to The Sentinel.

"He's been really good to me, actually, since I've been at the football club, very hospitable. Our paths have crossed before anyway when he was over at Derby (on loan).

"He's a good guy who's been through a tough time and so you want him to be fit and you want him out on the grass as soon as possible."