Brooker Makes A Date With Reading

Last updated : 26 March 2004 By Rob Cooper
Brooker
Brooker
In the wake of yesterday's shock decision to sell Scott Murray to Bristol City, the Royals have extended Paul Brooker's loan spell at the club up until the end of the season.

By pinching Bristol's pennies Coppell has left an almighty hole on the right-wing which he will attempt to fill with Brooker, who has primarily been used on the left-wing since he joined the club.

The club are allowed to extend the winger's loan deal even though transfer deadline day has passed. This is permittable under Football League rules because he is already on loan at the Madejski.

Ex-Brighton man Brooker, who has made just one start in a string of anonymous performances for the Royals, could be thrust into first team action tomorrow afternoon at Coventry as the players bid to save the season that appears to be being destroyed from the top.

The Hammersmith born man made just two appearances for Leicester City prior to his loan spell at Reading in a disappointing first campaign at the Walkers Stadium. Yet he is looking forward to getting the chance to play first team football over the coming weeks.

"I'm delighted at the loan extension. Everyone has made me very welcome here," said the 27-year-old, speaking to the official site.

"I'm also pleased to be involved in the first team. If I was back at Leicester I'd be in the reserves until the end of the season. I would like to start a game because mostly I've only had 15 to 20 minutes in the matches so far."

Should Coppell consider Brooker not up to a starting role, he will turn his attentions to either Bas Savage or Andy Hughes tomorrow to plug the right-wing gap.