MICHAEL KIGHTLY was handed his Stoke City debut at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, as the Potters opened their 2012/13 season against newly promoted Reading.
The former Wolves ace lined up on the right hand side of a four man midfield, with Dean Whitehead, Glenn Whelan and Matthew Etherington occupying the remaining berths.
Robert Huth made a miraculous recovery from his meningitis scare which had threatened his participation in the opening day clash.
The German international passed a late fitness test to line-up in the heart of defence alongside skipper Ryan Shawcross, with Andy Wilkinson and Marc Wilson getting the nod to start in the two full-back positions.
Last season's Player of the Year Peter Crouch partnered Republic of Ireland international Jonathan Walters in attack.
The substitutes bench included summer arrival Jamie Ness, as well as Thomas Sorensen, Rory Delap, Wilson Palacios, Ryan Shotton, Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome.