Published: Wednesday, 31st December, 2008 12:00pm

Lita in shock recall?

by Anthony Smith

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LEROY Lita could be set for a shock recall this Saturday despite Norwich City's firm interest in signing him permanently.

Lita returned from a successful three month loan spell with the Canaries this week where his seven goal in 15 league appearances made him the club's leading goalscorer.

Now Royals boss Steve Coppell is considering the ex-England U21 striker for the FA Cup tie at Cardiff as Kevin Doyle and Noel Hunt take a well-earned rest.

It would be only his fifth game for Reading this season, and his first since late September when his penalty miss sent Stoke City through to the Carling Cup fourth round.

Director of football, Nick Hammond, confirmed: "Leroy is available to play in the FA Cup, though whether he will depends on the manager.

"Kevin Doyle and Noel Hunt have featured heavily for us this season but Leroy Lita still wants to play.

"It was a good option to send him out on loan because he wasn't playing. He's done an excellent job for Norwich but he's back and wants to be involved."

Nevertheless, rumours persist that Lita, who celebrated his 24th birthday this week, could be sold in January for around £300,000 with Canaries boss Glenn Roeder leading the chase. However, that seems unlikely until Reading buy a replacement.

Hammond added: "I spoke to Glenn Roeder and I'm sure he wants to keep Leroy. He is an excellent striker with a superb goal ratio.

"However, at the moment he's back with us and he will go straight into the squad at the weekend."

Hammond also confirmed talks are progressing with two players Coppell is targeting. One is thought to be Southampton youngster Andrew Surman, who can play left-back or in midfield.

"I'm moving discussions forward with a couple of players from outside the club," added Hammond. ""We like to do our business privately and when we will let people know as soon as something happens."

And Coppell also accepted his strikeforce may be left a little thin should Doyle or Hunt suffer a long-term injury. Landing a Premier League striker on loan until the summer is one option being considered.

"Overall I would like to enhance the squad and I think we need a couple of things," said Royals' boss.

"After January you're left vulnerable to any injuries and suspensions, and it's my job to evaluate where the potential holes are in the squad, then do something about it.

"We're strong in midfield with plenty of options but there are question marks up front."

The biggest battle Reading may face is keeping hold of their crown jewels like Doyle and Stephen Hunt. The Republic of Ireland duo have signed new contracts but Royals will listen to offers in excess of £5 million.

Hammond explained: "We've had a good first half to the season but there is room for improvement. We're in a good position but the challenge for us is to kick on and to do that we will need our best players.

"We don't want to lose anyone but we're very mindful that is something comes our way we will have to make a big decision.

"But there is so much speculation around at this time it is pointless commenting on it."