Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has endured a hugely difficult start to the season, with the Potters sitting rock bottom of the Sky Bet Championship table after nine league matches.

The Staffordshire outfit have looked dangerous going forward at times, but their defence has been their Achilles heel, having already conceded a staggering 20 goals in the league campaign thus far.

Butland's performances have come under scrutiny in the early stages of the season, and after making an error against Nottingham Forest on Friday night, it remains to be seen whether the England international keeps his place in-between the sticks for Tuesday night's clash against Huddersfield Town.

Discussing Butland's start to the season in further detail is FLW's George Harbey...

What have you made of Butland's start to the season? 

"Butland - along with his teammates - has made a very disappointing start to the season.

"Big things were expected of Stoke after an impressive summer in terms of transfers - they brought in some exciting attacking players, and going forward, they look like a really good team.

"They also brought in the likes of Liam Lindsay and Tommy Smith to bolster their defence, but they have conceded 20 goals in nine league games already.

"It seemed like a massive boost when Butland stayed at Stoke amid interest from the Premier League in the summer, but he has made some very costly mistakes this term."

What mistakes has he made?

"The one that stands out like a sore thumb is the one he made against Preston North End at Deepdale last month.

"He should have done better with Daniel Johnson's goal, but it's the second goal where he was left red-faced.

"He came out to punch a long-range free-kick for no apparent reason, and let Billy Bodin's rather tame effort slip under his body to make it 2-0.

"He was also at fault for the goal that got Nottingham Forest back into the game on Friday night - he should have done better with Matty Cash's cross, but Lewis Grabban proved to be a nuisance, before Joe Lolley slammed home."

Has he been punished for his mistakes?

"After the game against Preston, Butland was taken out of the team and replaced by Adam Federici against Leeds and Birmingham City.

"Butland was put back into the team two games later, but it remains to be seen whether he is dropped again after his error against Forest.

"It wasn't so much of a punishment, it was more a case of taking him out of the firing line so he could have some down-time and start the season afresh."

What do you think is on his mind? What has happened to him?

"It's hard to put a finger on what's gone wrong - he's clearly a very talented goalkeeper having played more than once for England, but he looks like a shadow of the player he was once.

"Personally, I think he had his heart set on a move to the Premier League in the summer, with AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace all being linked.

"Whether that's playing on his mind, or whether he's trying to hard to impress England manager Gareth Southgate is unknown. Only he will know."

"'He looks a shadow of the player he once was."

Can you see him moving away in January?

"I can't see who would be interested to be honest, especially given the hefty £23m price tag Stoke placed on him in the summer.

"That won't have dropped given the length of his contract, and realistically, Stoke don't have any real reason to sell him.

"I can't see Premier League clubs being interested, not anymore."

Finally, does he still have the backing from fans?

"Butland is still a loved figure by Stoke fans, and they have shown him so much support this season.

"He has kept the captain's armband and is clearly proud to wear it, but he needs to turn his form around sooner rather than later.

"It must be heartbreaking for him to see how far Stoke have fallen."