Steve Coppell has wished Ibrahima Sonko all the best now that he has signed for Stoke, but says we have good cover at centre half to cope with the defender's departure.

Sonko, 27, joined from Brentford on a free transfer in the summer of 2004, and has now moved to the Potters in a deal worth an initial £2million.

Steve told readingfc.co.uk, "Ibu had expressed a desire to play in the Premiership, and Stoke showed interest.

"They made an offer we found acceptable so we put it to Ibu, he went up for talks on Friday and has now signed."

Alex Pearce, Ivar Ingimarsson, Michael Duberry and Andre Bikey mean we have plenty of players in the middle of defence, and Steve is happy with his options.

He said, "I'm comforted by the fact we have a number of centre halves who can all play there.

"I'd certainly hope not to be vulnerable there given the bodies we have in the squad."

Finally, Steve was keen to send his best wishes to the big Senegalese, saying, "I would like to wish him well.

"He's been an important part of our success. He had a difficult time with his cruciate but worked very hard to come back. Please now he will keep that fitness, and as I said I wish him well."