Griffin signs for Reading on loan

Last updated : 13 January 2010 By BBC Sport

Championship strugglers Reading have signed Stoke City defender Andy Griffin on loan for the rest of the season.The former Portsmouth and Newcastle right-back is training with the Royals but is not eligible to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old joined Stoke from Derby in January 2008 and was club captain.

Reading caretaker manager Brian McDermott said Griffin is "hungry" to play after finding opportunities at Stoke limited this season.

McDermott added: "He's an experienced player at the top level. He was skipper at Stoke and got promotion there, so he's got great pedigree.

He knows what is required to get results in this division and also brings us more bite

Director of football Nick Hammond

"I feel we need a right-back and he can play that role so I'm sure he's going to be a good signing for us.

"He hasn't played for a while, he needs to kick-start his career because he wants to play for another five or six years I'm sure. Hopefully we can help him do that."

Director of football Nick Hammond said: "We're very pleased to sign Andy because he will add a wealth of experience, he knows what is required to get results in this division and also brings us more bite.

"We've had players doing a good job at right-back but Andy knows the position and has played there for a number of years at a high level."

Meanwhile Reading have received international clearance for Icelandic striker Gunnar Thorvaldsson, who joins the club on loan from Danish side Esbjerg.

He will available for Saturday's game at Nottingham Forest.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport