Butland takes the road to Rio via Oakwell

The Stoke City goalkeeper – who will make his Oakwell debut tonight against Reading – joined Barnsley last week on a three-month loan after sitting on the sidelines at the Britannia Stadium.

With Asmir Begovic and Thomas Sorensen in the ranks at Stoke, Butland has struggled to make an impression since his £3.5m move from Birmingham City.

With one eye on forcing his way into Roy Hodgson’s England squad for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil – if the Three Lions qualify, of course – 20-year-old Butland agreed to join the Reds.

Having conceded 24 goals in nine Championship matches – the worst defensive record in English football – Butland could hardly have picked a busier club at which to showcase his goalkeeping talents.

Stoke chief Mark Hughes believes his time at Oakwell will help the goalkeeper – who has one England cap to his name – develop and improve his international credentials.

“It was always our intention to get Jack Butland out on loan,” said Hughes. “It was vitally important to get him out to allow him to continue his development.

“He is an outstanding young talent and someone we have incredibly high hopes for.

“We will keep a close eye on him and he will come here on certain days to maintain the work he has been doing with us.

“It is a good move for him and he will learn a lot from it. He has the potential to be the next England goalkeeper.”

If Barnsley are to reverse their fortunes this week, they will have to do it the hard way. Tonight, David Flitcroft’s side welcome Reading to Oakwell, before making a visit to unbeaten Championship leaders QPR on Saturday.

“It’s a tough league the Championship,” said striker Jason Scotland, who has netted twice in the last two games. “The top teams like QPR have been consistent so far this season.

“Reading have been up and down and not been as consistent as QPR, so we can probably get something from the game. In the Championship everybody can beat everybody. We’re at home against Reading so, hopefully, we can get something out of that.”