Premier League: Andy Wilkinson's hope for loan move shared by Mark Hughes

Stoke boss Mark Hughes will try his best to get long-serving defender Andy Wilkinson a loan move in the near future.

Wilkinson is yet to feature in Hughes' plans this season and has played only five times since the Welshman arrived at the Britannia Stadium in the summer of 2013.

He admitted earlier this week he was begrudingly looking for a fresh challenge and Hughes said he could understand the frustration of a player who has played more than 200 times for the club he has served since his senior debut in 2001.

Great servant

Hughes said: "I have disappointed him, obviously, because I haven't been able to give him enough opportunities as there are people ahead of him.

"I can understand his frustration.

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"I think we have come to a point where we are all agreed he probably needs to look to get some game time somewhere, so that means looking at a loan situation if we can find the right club, and if it feels right for Andy.

"He's been and continues to be a great servant to this football club. He trains well, always makes himself available and is great to have around the place.

Good professional

"But for his career, he just needs to get some games under his belt this year because the likelihood is that I'm not going to be able to give him too much game time in the next month or so.

"If we can find the right club then I think he would be a great option for them and they would be gaining a good professional who gives absolutely everything."

Watch Stoke's Premier League clash with Swansea City on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 3:30pm.