STOKE City have delved into their Europa League past to sign Dynamo Kiev left-back Goran Popov on a season-long loan.

The 27-year-old Macedonian will join the club on Monday and may even be in the running for a shock debut at Reading next Saturday.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who revealed the signing after last night's 1-1 draw in Germany against Greuther Furth, said he had been monitoring the Macedonian international since the Europa League clashes with Kiev last autumn.

"He really impressed me," said Pulis. "He's a good player with a great left foot and I think he will go well for us. And 27 is a good age.

"But the problem we've got is that he's going to come and sign on Monday, then he's off playing for Macedonia on Tuesday.

"He should be fit because he's been playing in the Europa League already this season.

"He played against Feyenoord and I had him watched. I've also watched the tape and he did very well.

"He was impressed with the football club last season and he wants to play in the Premier League. It's a loan and so it's a good opportunity to see him. His English is very good."

Popov, who measures in at around six foot, two inches tall, has already travelled widely during a career in which he has also played for the likes of Greek club Egaleo and Dutch outfit Heerenveen.

He has played more than 40 times for his country since making his debut back in 2004.