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Page last updated at 07:53 GMT, Thursday, 24 September 2009 08:53 UK

I want to stay at Stoke - Griffin

Andy Griffin
Griffin has made over 130 appearances for the Potters

Stoke City defender Andy Griffin says he will fight for his place in the team and will not become a Potters outcast.

The 30-year-old full-back has found opportunities limited after a spat with team-mate Ricardo Fuller at West Ham at the end of December.

The club's former captain has not started a Premier League game since that incident but insists he has not given up hope of another opportunity.

Griffin told BBC Radio Stoke: "I still believe I've got something to offer."

The ex-Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby defender has only started two games for the Potters in the last nine months, both of those in the Carling Cup.

The most recent was Tuesday night's 4-3 win over Blackpool where he scored the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

"I'm willing to fight for my place, I don't want to leave. I have to show the right attitude and when given the opportunity do my best," he said.

"I like to think I've been patient and I have to prove to the manager I have the hunger and desire."

The defender began his career with Stoke before moving to the North East to play for Newcastle in a deal worth £1.5m and after six years at St James' Park he joined Portsmouth on a free transfer.

Griffin then spent eight months on loan at the Britannia Stadium before deciding to sign for Derby County in the summer of 2007. That move was short-lived and the defender returned to Stoke for a third time in 2008 for £300,000.



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