Stoke City keeper Jack Butland has admitted that he was concerned about his career after suffering an ankle fracture last March.

The England international required surgery following a freak injury in the game against Germany. His return was further stalled after he suffered a setback on the eve of the season.

The 24-year-old finally managed to complete his comeback towards the end of the season and featured in the last five games of the season for the Potters.

He said: "Being out for so long makes you stronger but sometimes you reach your lowest point.

"There are times when you don't know if you are going to play again, when the next injection or operation might be.

"So there are times when you are at rock bottom but that's when you need the people around you to give you that bit of reassurance and positivity."