Rory Delap joins Barnsley on loan until end of the season from Stoke
Midfielder joins Tykes until the end of the season
The 36-year-old midfielder has played a pivotal role at the Britannia Stadium over the past six-years, but has found his first team opportunities limited since the start of this season and has been hampered by injury problems as well.
The former Republic of Ireland international has made a total of 208 appearances for the Potters since signing from Sunderland in 2006, scoring eight goals in the process.
Manager Tony Pulis commented: “Rory has been a bedrock of the progress this Club has made since he joined us.
"It’s important therefore that we look after those players who have served us so well and helped us to get where we are today.
“One way or another, it’s been a frustrating time for him this season, but we are delighted that he’s now got the chance to go out and play regular first team football. I am sure that he will prove to be a great acquisition for Barnsley.”
Delap is relishing the chance to get back out on a football pitch again after spending time on the sidelines since his appearance at Reading on the opening day of the season.
“It’s a big wrench to be heading out because I love the club and I have had some wonderful times here over the past six-and-a-half years,” he said.
“But I need to be playing regularly. I believe that the reason I’ve picked up one or two niggling injuries recently has been down to me not playing.
“I’m quite happy that a Championship side have come in for me. They’re in a relegation battle, but they’ve put together a little run of late to raise hopes that they can climb out of trouble, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Delap is eligible to make his Tykes debut against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road this weekend.
http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/delap-barnsley-move-630790.aspx
