Stoke City Stopper Admits He's Ready to Challenge for the No. 1 Spot Again

?Lee Grant has insisted he has recovered from being dropped towards the end of the season and is ready to challenge Jack Butland for the starting position for Stoke City next season.

During Butland’s long spell on the sidelines between September and April, due to injury, Grant was Stoke’s first choice goalkeeper in both their league and cup games. However, Butland made his return to the team in April 22 and pushed Grant out of the team.

Grant admitted his demotion to the substitute bench did impact his confidence, however the ?Stoke Sentinel reported that he has now recovered from the set back.

He said: “I’ve had a huge disappointment and a come down from a run of 28 Premier League games,

“After the last game against Hull when we win, to the low the next week of not playing, I have to take stock of where I am, where I was, and understand that I am privileged and honoured to be in this position, then re-group and go again next season.

“I am still trying to learn and get better, and enjoy trying to get better, and that has allowed me to make the step up because of all the hard work. I feel absolutely privileged to have made that transition (from Championship to Premier League) and the key now is trying to get the shirt back.”

Butland made an impressive return to the team, and has already been recalled by England for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland and their friendly match against France. On top of this, Stoke manager Mark Hughes already looks to have made Butland his first-choice keeper for their pre-season tour.

Despite all this, Grant insists he isn’t scared of the challenge which now faces him and says his relationship with Butland remains healthy. He said: “The truth is, I don’t want to sit behind Jack Butland and I’m sure the same goes for Jack… `I don’t want to sit behind Lee Grant.’

“That’s fantastic for the football club and we have a great rivalry that’s healthy for the football club, and healthy for Mark Hughes as manager, and healthy for Jack and myself because I’m going to push Jack and he will do the same for me.”

Grant made 28 appearances for the Potters this season and kept nine clean sheets, which helped Stoke to a 13th place finish.