Stoke 2 Leicester 1: Mark Hughes praises Jack Butland

Mark Hughes reserved special praise for Jack Butland after the goalkeeper helped Stoke City book their place in the FA Cup fourth round with victory over Leicester.

Kenwyne Jones headed Hughes’ men into the lead at the Britannia Stadium in the 16th minute, before Charlie Adam’s stunning goal 10 minutes after half-time made it 2-0 to the Premier League side.

I thought Jack stepped up to the mark in that period with two saves for us

Mark Hughes

Substitute David Nugent headed home in the 77th minute to give the visitors hope of a fightback.

But the Potters held on and Hughes was full of praise for the 20-year-old Butland after the game.

“I thought we showed a lot of control in the game,” said Hughes.

“We scored two good goals, but then gave them a bit of encouragement with their goal and the last five or 10 minutes was a bit frenetic.

“I thought Jack stepped up to the mark in that period with two saves for us.

“He showed what everyone at the club and outside the club knows, that he’s an outstanding young goalkeeper.

“I thought collectively we were good. We showed the opposition and the competition the right level of respect and I thought it was important to pick a recognised back four because Jack hasn’t played too much with them and had the benefit of that because he will be in goal for the next couple of weeks, I would suggest.”