This story first appeared in The Sentinel on October 18, 2006

STRICKEN Stoke midfielder Rory Delap was undergoing surgery today on the double leg break that seems certain to end his entire season.

The 30-year-old midfielder was less than 10 minutes into his home debut when he suffered a fractured tibia and fibia at the start of last night’s 2-1 Championship win over his old club, Sunderland.

The sickening injury puts paid to his three-month loan spell, although Stoke may yet stay loyal to the former Irish international by still offering him a long-term future at the Britannia.

His early demise cast a shadow over proceedings, but Stoke refused to blame Sunderland defender Robbie Elliott for his part in the 50-50 challenge alongside the dugouts.

City boss Tony Pulis, wearing the expression of a manager losing rather than winning, said: “It was an horrendous injury and we are absolutely devastated for the lad.

“The performance was smashing and some great things happened out there, but my thoughts and those of the team are with Rory.

“Two people have just gone in for a challenge. Elliott is a seasoned pro and would know Rory, so I’m sure the last thing he would want to do is break his leg.”

Delap’s departure on a stretcher, and complete with oxygen mask, clearly stifled a Stoke side losing 1-0 by the break.

But early second-half goals from Lee Hendrie and Vincent Pericard turned the game on its head to leave Stoke celebrating back-to-back victories over the last four days and a rise to 14th in the Championship table.

“It was nice to get them back into the dressing room at half-time and get into them again,” said Pulis. “I thought one or two were feeling a bit sorry for themselves – and I was feeling pig sick myself seeing the incident.

“But the response from the players second half was top drawer. The whole tempo of the game was first class. We knew Roy Keane would have them roaring around, so we knew it was going to be a massive battle. It looked like a battlefield second half, but we also played some good stuff. For 20 minutes after half-time we didn’t half move the ball well. And when the defenders were called upon, they threw themselves into challenges.

“Andy Griffin, for me, is an outstanding player. His attitude on and off the pitch is first class. He loves being here and wants to play for Stoke.”

Luke Chadwick is doubtful for Saturday’s trip to Southampton after his shoulder popped out, but the use of three subs forced him to soldier on in the closing stages.