Former Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen said Jack
Butland is reaping the benefits of his apprenticeship away from
the club, though is he unsure whether the England international
will be prised away from the Britannia.
After spending time on loan at Birmingham City, Barnsley, Leeds
United and Derby County in the Championship, Butland is now
Stoke's number one keeper following Asmir Begovic's move to
Chelsea during the off-season.
Butland, who signed a new four-year deal in March, has been a
star performer for Stoke, with his six clean sheets reportedly
alerting Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester
United.
However, the 22-year-old England international has already
distanced himself from reports linking him with a move to
Anfield.
Sorensen, who spent seven seasons at Stoke from 2008 to this
year, was asked by Omnisport if Butland could resist the lure of
joining one of the biggest club's in England and the former
Denmark international said: "It's hard to judge.
"I talked to him a couple of years ago when he joined Stoke. He
was third choice and very frustrated.
"He is young and eager and wanted to play. I told him to wait
your time, work hard, which he has done and he is now reaping
the benefits.
"It was the right thing. He went and got some experience at
Championship clubs and waited his time. He has been
tremendous for them this season."
Sorensen was at the club when Tony Pulis signed Butland from
Birmingham in 2013.
The 39-year-old's career in England was slowly drawing to a
close as he played second-fiddle to Begovic.
Sorensen, who now plies his trade for Australian club Melbourne
City in the A-League, added: "It's been a good row of
goalkeepers. They have been spoiled, going back to Gordon
Banks.
"It's weird to think Begovic, myself and Butland were at the club
at the same time, which is ridiculous really.
"I think it's made everyone better. It benefited Butland. We had a
great mix and we are all good friends."
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