Griffin joins Reading on loan as Stoke's forgotten man seeks first-team football

Fresh start: Griffin can kick-start his careerReading have signed Stoke defender Andy Griffin on loan until the end of the season. The 30-year-old is hoping for more first-team opportunities having been restricted to just three Carling Cup appearances for the Potters this term.   Griffin, who skippered Stoke to promotion from the Championship in 2008, has not figured in the Premier League for almost a year.   Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: 'There is a lot of competition for places in the squad and Andy is obviously desperate to play first-team football.  'A move to Reading is a great opportunity for him to go out and play regularly in the Championship.' Stoke make move for former Manchester United hitman Ruud van NistelrooyTHE INSIDER: Hugo no go as Stoke look set to miss out on Rodallega and Victor Moses close to Manchester City move as Vladimir Weiss heads for the exitJANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW 2010: All moves at every Premier League clubStoke line-up £1m Zaki deal and Marseille make Elmander enquirySTOKE CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail