Andy Wilkinson gets Stoke reprive

ANDY WILKINSON has been handed a Premier League reprieve for Stoke following his pre-season red card.

Andy Wilkinson had feared he would miss the opening game of the season against Liverpool

The Potters defender feared he would miss the opening game against Liverpool after being sent off against FC Dallas on Sunday.

But Wilkinson, 28, has escaped with just a one-match ban despite being punished for violent conduct.

And that means he will miss a friendly against Philadelphia Union today and be free to play against Liverpool at Anfield next month.