Middlesbrough's Chris Riggott joins Potters on loan
Gareth Southgate says Chris Riggott's future remains to be seen
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Friday, 29, Feb 2008 05:16
Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott is heading to Stoke City on loan for the rest of the season, it has been confirmed.
The 27-year-old has been left on the sidelines at the Riverside Stadium, with Gareth Southgate preferring the likes of David Wheater, Emanuel Pogatetz and Robert Huth in his back line.
Now Riggott has the opportunity to join the Potters and get some first-team football under his belt.
"It will be a chance for him to play in a team that's very well," Boro manager Gareth Southgate said.
"He wants to get out and play football and put himself in the shop window. What happens in the future remains to be seen."
The news will be welcomed by Potters fans after their defeat at Preston in midweek.
Riggott's Premier League experience will come in handy for Stoke, who are pressing for promotion and despite their setback are sitting on top of the Championship.
The former England under-21 defender, named Derby's player of the year in 2000/01, made 32 starts for Middlesbrough in 2004/05.
But he has more recently struggled to keep his place in the side and injuries have added to his problems.
The deal is subject to approval from the Football League and FA, as is another move from Boro. Jason Kennedy is off to Darlington.