Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher has joined Stoke City on loan until the end of the season.

Gallagher has recently completed a spell at Preston.

The 23-year-old spent the 2005-06 campaign on loan at the Britannia Stadium, scoring 12 goals, and Stoke manager Tony Pulis is hoping he can make a similar impact during his second spell with the club.

"He is an absolutely fantastic signing. He has good quality and is very different to what we already have," said Pulis.

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