Stoke boss Mark Hughes has backed goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard as he considers his selection options for Monday's home game against Tottenham.
Haugaard has replaced the injured Jack Butland in the last two games -- his first appearances in the Premier League -- and conceded six goals.
After the first of those matches, a 2-2 home draw with Swansea, Hughes stood by his decision to select the 23-year-old Dane ahead of veteran Shay Given, describing his performance as "excellent."
Since then, a 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday has increased speculation over whether 39-year-old Given might come into the team for the visit of title hopefuls Spurs.
Hughes did not rule out a change, but cited the example of former Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who conceded seven on his first appearance for the club before going on to become a star performer.
"Jakob has had a run in the side and we talked about the game last week," Hughes said. "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."
