Few observers of the game would describe Steve Coppell as a manager prone to panic, but, yesterday, there appeared to be more than a hint of desperation in his decision to recall Leroy Lita to Reading. The former England Under-21 striker has been on loan with Charlton Athletic, in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Lita, 23, appeared to have little future at the Madejski Stadium, having fallen behind Kevin Doyle, Dave Kitson and Shane Long in the pecking order. A series of embarrassing off-the-field episodes further soured his relationship with Coppell.

Yet the manager's hand has been forced by Reading's poor recent form, which has led to them slipping to one place and only one point above the relegation zone. They have not won or scored in their past four matches and Coppell has run out of fruitful combinations up front.

Doyle has been particularly afflicted. The Ireland striker contributed 13 goals in the Barclays Premier League last season, but has not scored since the 3-1 home win over Liverpool on December 8 and was an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal last Saturday.

Reading have failed to create many worthwhile chances, either. In their past two matches, including a 2-0 defeat at home to Fulham, their relegation rivals, they have had only two shots on target - against Arsenal.

Hence the call for Lita, who may have a point to prove and could revitalise a jaded attack. “Leroy has been playing regular football for Charlton and will be raring to go,” Coppell said. “It was an obvious decision given that we've not scored lately.”

Not that Lita, Reading's leading scorer last season, with 14 goals in all competitions, has been tearing up any trees in the Championship. Alan Pardew, the Charlton manager, thought that he might, which is why he extended the initial one-month loan until the end of the season. Yet Lita scored only three goals in eight appearances for Charlton, whose hopes of qualifying for the play-offs ended with the 1-0 defeat by Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday. “I called Alan late on Saturday,” Coppell said. “Now that it's impossible for Charlton to get in the play-offs, we agreed it would be beneficial to us to bring Leroy back.”

Lita trained with Reading on Sunday and is likely to start in the match against Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium on Saturday. If the return of the prodigal son does not reap immediate dividends, he could be back in the Championship next season.