Jack Butland relishing a reunion with Hughton in the Premier League

Butland made his comeback from over a year out with a broken ankle at the Amex last night for Stoke’s under-23s as they lost 2-0 in the Seagulls’ final home league game of the season.

The 24-year-old, injured against Germany when he was threatening to overtake Joe Hart as the national No.1, was with Hughton when he guided Birmingham to the Championship play-offs.

Butland told The Argus: “I didn’t play a game that year. I was out on loan to Cheltenham at the time and was recalled to be on the bench when one of the keepers got injured.

“I spent that year with him and thoroughly enjoyed his training and his work. It’s really good to see him doing so well now.

“It will be brilliant to see Brighton go up. He’s done well at a number of clubs now and it will be good to see him continue next year. I’ve got a few friends down at Brighton. (Steve) Sidwell used to play for Stoke. It’s good to see him doing so well and (David) Stockdale is someone I’ve known for a while as well.”

Butland was beaten twice on his return to action in the last seven minutes by James Tilley and Tyler Hornby-Forbes. He could be back at the Amex next season between the posts for Stoke against Albion in the top flight.

“I played here before with Birmingham and won, so I’ve got some good memories of this place,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to do the same next year if Brighton come up. They have been one of the outstanding teams and thoroughly deserve to do it.

“I was really pleased to be back out there. It’s been a long time. I’m happy to come out of the game feeling really good and now I can focus on getting back in the Premier League.”