Glen Johnson deserves England recall, says Stoke's Jack Butland

Glen Johnson and Jack Butland have played 13 league games together for Stoke - but never for England

Stoke City right-back Glen Johnson is playing well enough to warrant an international recall, says England's second-choice keeper Jack Butland.

Johnson, 31, has not featured for England boss Roy Hodgson since winning his 54th cap at the 2014 World Cup.

But Potters team-mate Butland said: "You can't overlook performances.

"He's up against some brilliant full-backs, Nathaniel Clyne and Kyle Walker. And it is up to the manager. But, if he keeps performing well, who knows."

Johnson, signed from Liverpool this summer, was part of the Stoke team who suffered a first loss in five games at Sunderland thanks to two goals in the final 10 minutes, following a 42nd-minute red card for another of their England contenders, skipper Ryan Shawcross.

Butland told BBC Radio Stoke: "Glen's been brilliant for us. It's great to have someone of his experience and mentality, who is also a great lad to have around. And it's in all of our interests that he's playing well.

"If he gets into the England side. it's because he's doing extremely well for us. He's relishing the opportunity to be back out there showcasing what he's got, which is a lot of talent."

Potters keeping it tight

Stoke City, currently 12th in the Premier League table, have conceded just a goal a game this season, 14 in 14 league matches.

Only three teams, third-placed Manchester United (10), fifth-placed Spurs (11) and fourth-placed Arsenal (12) have conceded fewer goals.

The Potters are on course to enjoy their meanest season since entering the Premier League in 2008.

The lowest number of goals they have conceded is 45 in 38 games, first in their final season under Tony Pulis in 2011-13, then again last season under Mark Hughes.