Jack Butland: 'Stoke City need to bring in some big characters'

Jack Butland has urged Stoke City to bring in some "big characters" in the January transfer window.

The Potters are embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle and suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat to League Two side Coventry City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Stoke's defeat at the Ricoh Arena led to the dismissal of manager Mark Hughes and, with attention turning back to the league, Butland admitted that new signings are needed to help the team out.

"I think it would help," the England goalkeeper told the Stoke Sentinel.

"We need some big characters. We need to get some ability, some more talent in and get a lot better at playing as a team, because we've not been doing that."

Stoke return to action with a Premier League trip to Manchester United on Monday, January 15.