Share

Hughes hails Grant after heroics

Cape Town - Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is thoroughly impressed by Lee Grant's penchant for grabbing opportunities with both hands after the goalkeeper's stellar performance helped secure a 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester United on Sunday.

Making his second league appearance since joining from lower division side Derby County on loan deal during the transfer window, Grant made a string of saves to help Stoke secure a point against Jose Mourinho's side.

The 33-year-old has proven to be an adequate replacement for Jack Butland, who is out with an ankle injury.

"Lee was great again today, and when you come to places like Old Trafford you need everybody to play well, not least your goalkeeper," Hughes told the club website(www.stokecityfc.com).

"You need your 'keeper to make match-defining saves and protect your position to help you stay in the game."

Stoke have conceded 16 goals this season and have the worst goal difference in the top flight, but Grant stood out at Old Trafford.

"We have struggled in that regard this season I have to say, but Lee has come in to good effect, he is a good guy and he has a lot of experience - maybe we underestimate how much experience he actually has," Hughes added.

"He is enjoying his time here, getting opportunities that maybe he didn't think he would have and he is taking them chances with both hands."

Stoke, who are second last in the league standings, host bottom-placed Sunderland on October 15.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1843 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1810 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1100 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 470 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE