Clark praises keeper Butland

Birmingham boss Lee Clark praised goalkeeper Jack Butland after he produced a superb display in their 1-1 draw with Charlton at The Valley.

Last Updated: 10/02/13 at 09:33 Post Comment

Jack Butland: Produced a superb display against Charlton

Jack Butland: Produced a superb display against Charlton

The 19-year-old, who signed for Stoke for £3.3million last month and was loaned back to Birmingham, was in superb form as he constantly denied the Addicks before finally being beaten by Yann Kermorgant's 88th-minute header.

The home side thought that they had won the game until Wade Elliott pounced deep into injury time to extend the Blues' unbeaten run to five game.

"As Tony Pulis says, 'I have got the bargain of the century'," said Clark.

"He is an exceptional talent, one of the best young talents in Europe and every day he improves as he has got that desire and determination. How many young lads would have turned down the opportunity to go and play for Chelsea?

"He looked at the football side of it and he wants to play and educate himself and couldn't see himself in their first team for a while yet. That for me shows you what the lad is about, that's why he is going to be a top keeper.

"It won't be long before Jack is pushing Joe Hart to be the number one - and I think Joe knows that.

"We are really pleased with a point and it shows the character of the group as this isn't the first time we have scored a late goal to take something from the game."

Butland saved efforts from Ricardo Fuller, Johnnie Jackson and Lawrie Wilson in the first half before twice denying Scott Wagstaff after the break with superb agility.

The draw leaves Birmingham in 16th place with 38 points from 31 games.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved