Gallagher goes back to Stoke

Pulis happy to re-sign Blackburn man

Last updated: 31st January 2008

Paul Gallagher Preston

Gallagher: Back at Stoke

Blackburn Rovers forward Paul Gallagher has joined Stoke City for a second time on loan.

Gallagher, who spent the 2005/06 season with the Potters, has returned to the Britannia Stadium until the end of the campaign.

He had been on loan at Championship rivals Preston North End during the first half of the current season and Alan Irvine was keen to keep the Scot.

But Gallagher has opted to link up with Stoke again, having scored 12 goals in 40 appearances during his previous spell at the club.

The 23-year-old may not be the last signing on transfer deadline day for Stoke, with manager Tony Pulis happy to bring Gallagher back.

Pulis told the club's official website: "He is an absolutely fantastic signing, he has good quality and is very different to what we already have.

"We know him from last time he was here and we know he can score goals."