Stoke City Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott on loan until the end of the season.

The 27-year old has Premier League experience in abundance after playing over 150 games for both Boro and Derby County.

Chris came through the ranks with his home town club Derby where he went on to make 91 appearances, bagging himself five goals.

He was also named as the clubs player of the year for the 2000/01 campaign.

His form for the Rams saw a host of side's chasing his signature, including Liverpool.

However he eventually opted for a switch to Middlesbrough in 2001, with former England boss Steve McClaren splashing out £3,000,000 for his services.

The powerful centre back immediately endeared himself to the fans by bagging a brace against Tyne-Side rivals Sunderland as they went on to win 3-1.

He was also a part of the 2004 League Cup Final squad, however failed to feature in the match.

During the 2004/05 season he made 32 starts for the club forming a solid partnership with current boss Gareth Southgate.

His best year for the club came the following season, as he played a key role in Boro's surge to the UEFA Cup Final. He was regarded as one of the clubs best performers that season.

New manager Southgate strengthened his back line up last year with the arrivals of Robert Huth (Chelsea) and Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid) and since then Chris has found it difficult to break his way in to the first team fold.

A rumoured move to Derby last summer failed to materialise, and now he will look to help the Potters in our quest to reach the Premier League.

Chris will be handed the number 32 shirt.