Butland backs Ings to shine in top flight

Stoke Citys England international keeper Jack Butland feels Danny Ings can prosper at Premier League level

The 22-year-old, an England under 21 team-mate of Burnley’s leading scorer, believes Ings can succeed wherever his future takes him.

A move to Anfield with Liverpool appears to be the striker’s chosen destination once his contract expires in the summer, with the club in line to secure £3m-£5m - a fee set by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

“He’s a natural goalscorer and if you give him the service he’ll put the ball in the back of the net,” said Butland.

Danny Ings has likely played his last game at Turf Moor for Burnley

“He knows where the goal is, his work rate is extremely high, and he’s got quality with it as well. I’ve got no doubts about where Danny can get to.

“Without a doubt (he can impact at the top end of the Premier League).

“He works extremely hard and when you combine that with his talent and the fact that he’s down to earth and grounded as well, it bodes well for him and whichever team he ends up at and for England as well.”

Ings entered double figures for the term last weekend, though his 62nd minute winner against Hull City at the KC Stadium couldn’t steer Sean Dyche’s side away from relegation.

Last season’s SkyBet Championship Player of the Year failed to add to his tally against the Potters, but Butland feels that 10 goals in his first venture in the top flight is a great return for Ings.

“It’s not bad at all but I know Danny would’ve wanted more,” he said. “That just sums up the kind of player he is.

“I know Danny really well, I’ve worked with him for a few years now. I’m just gutted they’ve gone down, but Danny is a great player and I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”

The pair are likely to link up in the summer as England’s young guns, coached by Gareth Southgate, get their Euro Under-21 Championship campaign under way in the Czech Republic.

The Three Lions start with Portugal in Group B of the competition at the Stadion Miroslava Valenty in Uherské Hradiště on June 18th. They’ll then take on Sweden and Italy for a place in the semi-finals.

Butland said: “Danny is a fantastic player. Everyone at Burnley can see that. Hopefully he’ll score plenty of goals for us this summer.

“I know what he’s capable of and it will be nice to play with him this summer. He’ll get there definitely (achieving a full England cap). I’m sure of it. I give him my best wishes for his future.”