Begovic spent time on loan at Ipswich last season

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has admitted that it was a relief to leave troubled club Portsmouth during the January transfer window.

The Bosnia international told BBC Radio Stoke: "The problems take over your life sometimes but you have to get on with it.

"To come here and be in a more stable position is exciting for me."

Begovic, 22, joined the Potters for £3.25m on 1 February, but has yet to make his first-team debut for the club.

Portsmouth avoided being wound up on Wednesday, but were given seven days to produce a full statement of their affairs and pay off a multi-million pound unpaid tax bill.

"You were worried all the time because there were different problems every day [at Portsmouth]," added Begovic.

"It's not nice to have to deal with that, so to come to a well-run club is definitely a relief for myself."

Begovic now faces a battle with Thomas Sorensen for the number one jersey at the Britannia Stadium, but said he is prepared for the challenge.

"Thomas is a fantastic goalkeeper and deservedly playing," said Begovic. "I've got to compete for a first-team spot, which is fine by me.

"I'm sure my time will come. I've got plenty of years here, hopefully I'll be here for many years and I can make an impression."

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