Lita Starting for Reserves

After starting the first three games for the Royals this season, Leroy Lita was dropped from the squad completely for Reading’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace.

The frontman was replaced by Shane Long, who made minimal impact against Palace but is likely to keep his place in the team for Saturday’s game at Ipswich due to Steve Coppell’s policy of not changing a winning side.

Lita’s omission from the squad to play Palace sparked talk of him leaving the Royals, but the transfer window is now shut and Lita is still a Reading player.

The England under 21 star has had his fair share of troubles since signing for Reading, including being assaulted, being arrested for assault and circulating a homemade video of himself and a lady friend.

Lita fell out with Steve Coppell last season and was constantly overlooked for a starting place, despite scoring four goals in one reserve game and the obvious lack of form of Kevin Doyle and the talentless Shane Long.

Coppell eventually loaned Lita out to Charlton, bringing him back into the team for the final few games. Lita scored in the final day win at Derby, but by that time it was too little too late as the Royals were relgated.

Following Coppell’s decision to leave Lita out of the squad for the Palace game, it seems the two have fallen out again and this time there could be no way back for the troubled striker.

Lita will play in the reserves game at home to Lewes this afternoon, being partnered for the first time by Dave Mooney. If history is anything to go by however, Lita could score a double hat trick today and still be left out in the cold as Reading travel to Ipswich on Saturday.