Royals hitman Lita extends loan at Valley until summer
Reading's Leroy Lita extends loan stay at Charlton Athletic
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Thursday, 27, Mar 2008 12:22
Reading striker Leroy Lita has extended his loan deal at Championship side Charlton Athletic until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old joined Alan Pardew's side on a short-term deal at the beginning of the month after finding his first-team opportunities limited at the Madejski Stadium.
And despite failing to find the net for the Addicks during his four matches for the club so far, Pardew has decided to extend his stay after being impressed by his contribution to the team.
His loan deal includes a call-back clause for Royals manager Steve Coppell, in case he needs cover in the forward areas in the latter part of the season.
However, Lita is not expected to be a major player in Coppell's plans as he looks to mastermind a survival bid to secure a third consecutive season in the Premier League.
The form of leading scorer Dave Kitson and fellow strikers Kevin Doyle and Shane Long has meant Lita has been left on the sidelines throughout much of this season, despite scoring 14 times in the Berkshire club's debut season in the top flight in 2006/07.
Charlton are currently tenth in the second-tier table, just two points behind Plymouth Argyle in the final playoff place.
The terms of Lita's loan mean he would be available for the south-east London outfit if they were to finish in the top six and qualify for the post-season competition.