WHITBREAD TAKES ROYALS LOAN

It had initially been mooted that the transfer would only be for one month, but Royals boss Alan Pardew has secured a deal that will effectively keep Whitbread at the Madejski Stadium until the end of the season.

Pardew appeared delighted with the capture of the 29-year-old, saying: "He's hungry, that's one of the reasons I have brought him here.  He wants to get a contract, and the challenge is there for him to take us forward.

"He will be in the squad for the game against Brentford.  We know a lot about him as Sammy Igoe and Matt Robinson played with him at Pompey, and we watched him when he was on loan at Luton.  He is a leader and, with our run-in and Adie Williams still injured, it was important to get extra cover."

Whitbread revealed his intentions, saying: "When I first spoke to Alan Pardew I asked if we could look at a permanent deal because I don't really want to be caught in the rat-race in the summer when lots of footballers will be looking for clubs.

"He told me he couldn't offer me a long-term contract now but that if I come here and do well I'll get something in the summer, and I'm confident in my ability so hopefully that will happen."

Whitbread has a wealth of experience, having played Premiership football for both Swindon and West Ham, and Pardew is certain to utilise this as his team chase promotion to Division One.