Kitson has scored twice in 30 games for Stoke and Reading this season

Striker Dave Kitson will return to Stoke City after Reading failed to win promotion to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old joined Stoke for a club record fee of £5.5m from Reading but returned on loan after failing to score in 18 appearances for the Potters.

"Dave will be welcomed back," Stoke boss Tony Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I'm hoping he comes back fresher and with a sounder background away from the club that allows him to concentrate on his football."

Kitson's loan switch to the Madejski Stadium was with a view to a permanent move had Reading been promoted from the Championship.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates confirmed in April that should Reading have been promoted the Potters would be due a fee of £4.8m for Kitson.

However, the Royals' elimination from the Championship play-offs, coupled with manager Steve Coppell's resignation, has ensured that he will return to the Britannia Stadium.

"Dave has got great ability," said Pulis. "I had high hopes for him, but he's not had a good year.

"I told Steve [Coppell] about the issues that he [Kitson] had off the pitch, but he was still willing to take a chance.

"Now we have to clear all that up and get him back to what he does best, and that's playing football."

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