Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has hailed the impact of Jack Butland this season.

He insists Butland has filled the void left by Asmir Begovic after his move to Chelsea.

"We knew he was a good goalkeeper but I think he has taken even his team mates by surprise with how good he has been," Crouch told the Daily Mirror.

“He has kept us in a lot of games. Certainly last weekend he was probably the main factor why we got the point. He has had an incredible season so far.

“Do I think he has filled the void left by Asmir? Yes. He always wanted to be a number one. He originally came to Stoke ahead of some higher profile clubs because he wanted to be playing.

“Asmir was well liked at the club and we wish him very well. Him moving on was always going to be big shoes to fill but he has done that.

“The biggest compliment I can pay him is that we haven't missed Asmir as much as I thought we would."