Jack Butland was delighted with his playing return in Stoke City's pre-season friendly against Burton Albion on the weekend.

The England goalkeeper played the first 45 minutes of the 3-0 loss on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet in the opening half, before he was replaced.

It was Butland's first piece of action since fracturing his ankle while on international duty in March and he was thrilled to make it back to the first team with the help from the Potters' medical staff.

"I'm really pleased to be back and get some minutes under my belt," Butland told the club's official website.

"From a mental point of view as well, the last time I was on pitch I broke my ankle, so to get through that and feel what it's like to be back on the pitch is really good.

"I felt good, I felt strong and my ankle feels really good as well which is really positive. Initially after the operation I wasn't doing a lot.

"I concentrated on getting the swelling down and getting the movement back and over the summer. I came in two weeks early and there was always someone from the medical team on hand to help me through stuff.

"They've ultimately got me back to where I am, which is fit and playing with no pain, so a lot of credit has to got to them."