... it has thrown an unexpected lifeline to the Republic of Ireland’s Shay Given.
Given has sat on the bench at Stoke City as Butland has turned himself into one of the Premier League’s most revered goalkeepers, losing his place in the Ireland team because of a lack of first team football at club level.
But with Butland ruled out for several months, after breaking his ankle playing for England against Germany in Berlin, Given will take over as first choice at Stoke and could well reclaim the Ireland jersey before the Euros as a result.
Ireland have plenty of strength in depth in the goalkeeping department, with Newcastle United’s Rob Elliot – who will start against Slovakia in Dublin on Tuesday night - emerging this season alongside West Ham’s Darren Randolph.
But if Given - who has not played first team football since October - is fit and in form, he could well move ahead of them by the time Ireland play their next friendly against Holland in May.
“That’s unfortunate for the young goalkeeper at Stoke,” said O’Neill. “I'm not picking Stoke City's team, but if that does give Shay an opportunity to play regularly between now and the end of season, then of course it gives him a really good chance [of getting into the Euros squad].
“Jonathan Walters has been filling us in, and Shay has returned to full training at Stoke and if this is a spur to him, now, to feel as if he has got a chance, well done. I’ll speak to him in the next 24 hours I’m sure.”