Stoke manager Mark Hughes backs under-fire goalkeeper Haugaard
Thursday 14 April 2016 20:08, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has once again come out in support of under-fire goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard as he considers his selection options for the Monday Night Football clash with Tottenham.
Haugaard has replaced the injured Jack Butland in the last two games - his first appearances in the Premier League - and conceded six goals in the process.
After the first of those matches, a 2-2 home draw with Swansea on April 2, Hughes stood by his decision to select the 23-year-old Dane ahead of veteran Shay Given, describing Haugaard's performance as "excellent".
Since then, the 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday has led to speculation over whether 39-year-old Given might come into the starting line-up for the visit of title-chasing Spurs to the Britannia Stadium, with the Irishman insisting he is ready to play if called upon.
Hughes did not rule out a change in personnel but pointed to the example of former Potters goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who conceded seven in his first appearance for the club before becoming a star performer, as he gave Haugaard further backing.
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"Jakob has had a run in the side and we talked about the game last week," said Hughes.
"We discussed all elements of it and for the most part I have been pleased with what he has done.
"He is a young goalkeeper, and he is learning about the Premier League. You have to experience it before you understand the intensity, so that is why it was right to give him the opportunity.
"Some of the guys were talking about the time that Asmir Begovic started to get games in the Premier League at Stoke. He had difficult games that didn't go quite to plan, but you see how he has come through.
"A little bit of focus has been on that position, but I'm quite comfortable with where we are with it.
"As always, I have the benefit of good goalkeepers in the building, so if I decide to make a change, then I'm quite comfortable with that.
"But at the moment, Jakob needs the experience and the opportunity to play."
Stoke hope to have forward Marko Arnautovic and midfielder Glenn Whelan available for the Tottenham match after they missed the Liverpool defeat due to knee and back problems, respectively.
Captain Ryan Shawcross is also expected to be able to feature after he made his return to action at Anfield from a lay-off with a back issue of his own.
But fellow defender Marc Muniesa is a doubt having suffered a knock in training, and full-back Erik Pieters cannot play as he begins a two-match suspension for picking up 10 yellow cards.
Hughes and Pieters exchanged words late in the defeat at Anfield, with the player substituted shortly after and notably not exchanging even a glance with his manager.
"It was just one of those moments in games," Hughes said of the incident.
"I have spoken to Erik about it since. It is not an issue. On the day I just felt his performance level wasn't quite where it needed to be, and that is the top and bottom of it really.
"We have talked it through and he understands my position and I understand what he was trying to say on the pitch. We move on.
"He knows who the boss is."
Watch Stoke v Tottenham on Monday Night Football. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm.