Is Lita yesterday's man?

Many have commented that Leroy Lita's stock is continuing to fall and the tragic miss at the end of normal time against Stoke in the Carling Cup plus the horrific (but oh so predictable) penalty miss leaves him staring into an abyss. I disagree.

Leroy Lita is a curious footballer. Quick, predatory and strong, he should have all the components of a top class player. He also has that never-say-die attitude made England's top scorer at the U21 European Championships last year.

So what is the matter with the guy? Well, he takes too long to get into his stride and needs a good partner with him up front.

Prior to the beginning of the season, my two picks for Reading strikers would have been Kitson and Lita. Doyle seemed not to be his usual self and with the intelligent Kitson hanging back, playing through balls on the deck into the six yard box, I was confident that Lita would have sufficient presence in the area to make a difference.

History tells us it didn't happen. Doyle and Lita misfired, both needing a link man to push them up the pitch and neither filling that role. Doyle has scored two home-based hat-tricks, Lita has failed to score and disappeared into the reserves.

Against Stoke, he had another chance for redemption but without match experience and, crucially, not having broken his duck, he seemingly faltered.

What are the prospects for the former Bristol City striker?

Staying at Reading and getting back into the team this season: I'm not that hopeful. Currently behind Shane Long in the pecking order and maybe even Mooney, barring injuries, I don't see him getting back in the short to medium term.

However, last season, he made a comeback after a loan spell when we were in trouble so who knows. My gut says no though.

Leave in January: A distinct possibility. He is still a sought-after property and if Reading aren't doing so well, he might want to jump ship. It's difficult to know what is being said between manager and player.

Leave at the end of the season: Again this depends on where Reading finish. He does seem to be a little unsettled all the time. Maybe it is time for pastures anew.

It would be a sad loss, but not one which both player and club would not quickly recover from. The ideal situation? For him to continue to plug away, get back into the team through merit and stay there through merit. Leroy Lita is not staring into an abyss, more standing at a crossroads.

Mike Hanbidge