Ok, I have asked a Stoke supporting mate about him, and here's his considered opinion:
"Oh **** mate, we played him at left back and he was woeful. We tried him at centre half a couple of times, his supposed natural position and he had his belly tickled. Ipswich had him on loan for the first part of the season and they were glad to send him back. I'ld say you're too good for him to be honest, he's one of those defenders that never gets anywhere near their player, never mind a challenge (unless he's tw*tted someone from behind or was 5 minutes late) You'd have been much better wanting Higginbotham."
So, happy days!