Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that he expects to have veteran goalkeeper Shay Given available before the end of the season.

The Ireland international has been missing in action since suffering a knee injury in a Euro2016 qualifier against Germany in October.

However, the 39-year-old is expected to return to provide back-up for Jack Butland before season's end.

"Shay is back out on the grass, which is encouraging," Hughes said.

"It's early days yet. He's not doing all elements of the sessions with them at the moment but he is back on the grass, which is encouraging for him.

"It has been a long time but we're hopeful that before the end of the season he will be fit and available."