SAINTS stopper Angus Gunn endured a dramatic debut for loan club Stoke City in their 2-0 Championship defeat to Swansea on Tuesday.

The goalkeeper, who joined the Potters on a season-long deadline day deal earlier this month, was thrown into action at half-time at Liberty Stadium due to an injury sustained by regular keeper Adam Davies.

With his side already a goal down, 24-year-old Gunn tripped over as he went for a backpass and had to put out his hand to stop the ball rolling beyond him towards the goal.

Referee Andre Marriner awarded an indirect free-kick seven yards out and Andre Ayew’s cannonball shot was kept out by the Stoke defensive wall on the line.

Gunn was to be beaten on the night, however.

Kasey Palmer finished the job three minutes from time for the hosts when he latched onto a Jake Bidwell cross and headed over a stranded Gunn to wrap up all three points.

Asked about the backpass incident, Stoke boss Michael O’Neill said: “It was difficult, that.

“He (Gunn) made an angle for the ball to be played and we created our own situation. We should have played the ball forward. We had two opportunities to do that and it results in us having to defend a free-kick.

“I think everyone was unsure of the rules. Swansea were asking for him to be sent off but I’m not sure why that would be. But, ultimately, we defended the free-kick.”