Pugh re-signs with Stoke

Danny Pugh has signed an extended deal contracting him to English Premier League club Stoke City until 2013.

Pugh, 28, joined Stoke on loan from Preston North End in November 2007, before signing permanently in January 2008 for a reported fee of 500,000 pounds.

After struggling for first-team appearances this season, he returned to former club Preston on loan in November, and is set to stay with the Championship side until January.

Despite Pugh finding himself out of favour, Stoke boss Tony Pulis believes the squad player still has a future at the Britannia Stadium.

“It is important we look after the players who helped start off what we have achieved over the past three years and Danny is one of them,” Pulis told stokecityfc.com.

“Although he has found it difficult to command a place in the squad this season he is an excellent professional and every club needs players with his qualities who can be relied upon to come in and do a good job if required.”

“The impact he has made at Preston is evidence of that and he will benefit from playing regular first-team football.”

The left-back, who can also play in midfield, began his career with Manchester United before moving to Leeds United in 2004.