The 24-year-old joins on a short term deal until the end of the season, giving Steve Clarke further options up front.

Appiah netted eight goals in 23 games for Cambridge United earlier this season and impressed at the African Cup of Nations with Ghana.

Clarke felt he had to bring in reinforcements after being left short of attackers when Simon Cox and Yakubu were ruled out of the trip to Charlton.

“When I looked at our bench during the game at Charlton it was obvious that without Cox and Yakubu we were light on attacking options,” said the Reading boss. “When the opportunity arose to bring Kwesi here until the end of the season I felt it was the right thing to do.

“Kwesi is a striker with different attributes to those already at the club. He hasn’t had too many opportunities since returning to Palace after a successful African Cup of Nations tournament with Ghana and we are hopeful that he will enhance his growing reputation while helping us to finish the season positively.”

Meanwhile, there were two out of the door on a busy loan deadline day for Clarke.

Jake Taylor has joined Leyton Orient on loan until the end of the season and Danny Guthrie has moved on loan to Fulham.

It seems Guthrie has made his last appearance in a Reading shirt, with Clarke admitting the midfielder won't be at the Madejski Stadium next season.

“It is very clear to all concerned that Danny’s time at Reading Football Club is coming to an end this summer," he said. "When this opportunity presented itself it was only right to allow Danny the chance to play some matches.”