Lee Grant keen to extend Stoke City loan spell beyond January

On-loan goalkeeper Lee Grant has admitted that he is hopeful of remaining in the Premier League with Stoke City after making a positive impression at the club.

The 33-year-old was brought in from Derby County on a temporary deal until the New Year to provide back-up for Shay Given, who has since dropped down to the bench following a difficult spell.

Grant was named as Man of the Match last time out in a well-earned 1-1 draw for his side against Manchester United and, with first-choice keeper Jack Butland still yet to return to full training, Grant is delighted to have finally been given a chance in the top flight.

"There were no promises that I was going to be a number two or a starting goalkeeper so the job for me will be no different when Jack's fit," he told the Stoke Sentinel.

"My goals won't change. My goals are to work hard and to hopefully do enough so the club will hopefully look to extend the loan until the end of the season because I want to be here beyond January 3.

"I'm enjoying my time, but I have to take things day-by-day, week-by-week. So I have to look at Sunderland, not looking when Jack is fit, or beyond Sunderland."

Stoke face fellow Premier League strugglers Sunderland at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the Potters one point ahead of their bottom-placed opponents.