Stephen Kelly is the fourth new arrival of the transfer window at Stoke

Stoke City have completed the signing of Birmingham defender Stephen Kelly on loan until the end of the season.

The Potters agreed a deal to sign the 25-year-old right-back on Monday.

However the move was put on hold as the Republic of Ireland international could not travel to the Britannia Stadium to sign a contract because of the snow.

Confirmation of the loan was held up while the Premier League assessed whether all the necessary paperwork had been completed before the deadline.

Kelly played in every minute of the Blues games in the Premier League last season but has been restricted to just seven appearances this campaign because of a thigh injury.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Kelly's arrival

He started his career at Tottenham and made 36 starts for Spurs, before joining Birmingham for �750,000 in June 2006.

Kelly could be in line for his Potters debut when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

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