Jack Butland set to return to action in six to 10 weeks
Friday 9 September 2016 11:10, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes believes Wilfried Bony will rediscover his goalscoring form by being a regular in the first team.
Bony signed for Stoke on Deadline Day in a season-long deal after failing to impress at Manchester City and the 27-year-old could make his debut on Saturday when they welcome Tottenham.
Asked about the striker, who Man City signed from Swansea for £28m in January 2015, Hughes said: "We feel he's one of those players who needs to play week in, week out and you build your form and confidence on the back of that.
"He was coming on as sub at Manchester City and maybe that affected him because prior to that, he was outstanding at Swansea.
"We are very encouraged by what we've seen at Swansea and there's no reason he can't replicate that here.
"It's really exciting not only for Wilfried but for the team as well. We have been building moves that have petered out and hopefully Wilfried will address that."
Hughes revealed the latest prognosis on goalkeeper Jack Butland, who suffered a setback in training following ankle surgery during the summer.
The England international fractured his ankle during the 3-2 friendly victory against Germany in Berlin last March, and has yet to play this season, with Shay Given deputising in goal for Stoke.
Hughes said: "I saw Jack on Thursday. The scar tissue which was restricting his ankle has all been cleared up.
"The likelihood is that it will be from six to 10 weeks before he is back."
Saturday will prove a stern test for the Potters, going up against a team they lost 4-0 to at home last season and Hughes admits his side will need to be at their best to match a "dynamic" team.
The former Wales boss added: "Their performance here last season was arguably the best performance we faced all year.
"They impressed everyone in terms of their movement, power and pace. But things move on. We're at the beginning of the new season - they haven't hit that level yet but neither have we.
"We are working hard to be better than last time out. They are a good dynamic side and we need to match that.
"Our record has been okay against them. We came away with a really good performance and draw from White Hart Lane last season."
