Griffin in Potteries return

Stoke City have sealed the loan capture of Andy Griffin from Portsmouth.

The 27-year-old full back has sunk down the pecking order at Fratton Park and Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has allowed him to leave on an initial month-long deal.

Griffin began his career with Stoke, before moving to Newcastle in a £1.5 million deal as an 18-year-old.

Now nine years on he is back in The Potteries and Stoke boss Tony Pulis is very happy with the move.

"We are delighted to get him. Not only is Andy a quality player but he is a Stoke lad and this was his first club," said Pulis.

"He's excited to be joining us and he adds plenty to our squad.

"We have taken him on a month's loan because it looks as though both Marlon Broomes and Lewis Buxton will be out for a while yet with their injuries and we needed the extra competition at the back.

"Not only are we very pleased to get him but we thank Portsmouth for helping us out."