PLAYER PROFILE

Rory Delap

Position: Midfield

Height: 6'0

Weight: 12st 9lbs

Date of Birth: 1976-07-06 Sutton Coldfield, England

Rory Delap

Rory Delap signed for Stoke City on a permanent basis in 2007 after enjoying a successful loan period at the club.

Delap began his career as a right-sided defender, but rose to prominence in Jim Smith's Derby team when he was utilised in a variety of positions. Not many players like being labelled 'utility men', but anywhere Delap was asked to play he excelled - defence, midfield or even attack.

The Irishman's best position is questionable, but he causes most problems when used on the right hand-side, possessing, as he does, an abundance of running energy, an eye for goal and one of the longest throws in the Premiership.

Delap's time with Southampton began in a rather turbulent manner when manager Stuart Gray was sacked after a nightmare start but, after the installation of Gordon Strachan as Saints boss, Delap began to exert an influence on Southampton's season and he once again became central to the survival of a sruggling club.

During his 2002/2003 season Rory recieved 2 yellow cards and was virtually ever-present during the campaign. He has struggled with injuries, but managed to come back each time to be one of the Saints' most consistent midfielders.

He admits he would like to score more goals, although sometimes, little and often is best. He picked up the club's goal of the season award for his spectacular strike against Tottenham in the 1-0 win at St Mary's Stadium in March 2004. When Southampton were relegated Delap stayed with the club but didn't feature in George Burley's long-term plans and was therefore sold to Sunderland.

However, his stay at the Stadium of Light lasted only one season and in 2007 he made a loan move to Stoke City permanent.

His experience could prove vital to the Potter in 2008/09.