Pearson will be looking for his second promotion in two seasons (Getty)

Stoke City beat Thursday's transfer deadline to sign midfielder Stephen Pearson on loan from Derby County.

The Scotland international joins City until the end of the season and follows Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi through the door at the Britannia Stadium.

Chief executive Tony Scholes told BBC Radio Stoke: "Stephen is a vastly experienced player who has tasted promotion from the Championship.

"Adding Steven to Shola gives us that bit extra in our promotion push."

Pearson, 25, joined the Rams in January 2007 from Celtic and scored the winning goal in last year's play-off final against West Brom.

Pearson has made 24 Premier League appearances this season and has also won 10 caps for Scotland.