David Cuffley City boss Glenn Roeder was planning to contact Reading today to discuss the possibility of extending striker Leroy Lita's stay at Carrow Road.Lita, who scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 victory over Wolves on Tuesday, has three matches left of his month's loan, starting at home to Doncaster Rovers tomorrow.

David Cuffley

City boss Glenn Roeder was planning to contact Reading today to discuss the possibility of extending striker Leroy Lita's stay at Carrow Road.

Lita, who scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 victory over Wolves on Tuesday, has three matches left of his month's loan, starting at home to Doncaster Rovers tomorrow.

Roeder was hoping to speak to Reading director of football Nicky Hammond about the 23-year-old striker.

“Of course we've thought about it,” said Roeder. “I understand Reading had a meeting themselves that would have included what's going to happen next with Leroy Lita, in terms of the next month or so.

“I need to speak to Nicky Hammond today and see what the outcome of their meeting was. I hope Reading keep winning and they don't need him back.

“I've not spoken to Leroy yet but perhaps we'll approach that early next week. But I'll certainly make some contact with Reading today.”

Inevitably, Lita's hat-trick has alerted other clubs to his capabilities, with Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion reported to be keen to recruit him.

But Roeder argued: “It's a better problem to have than him not scoring and playing rubbish - then none of us want him. What can you do? He was brought here to score goals.

“He was a little bit rusty in his first game, which was understandable. He did better in the second game against Bristol City when he had a couple of chances which unfortunately never went in, and then in the third game on Tuesday night, we saw the real Leroy Lita and what he is all about.

“Now he's done that I would think he'll carry on doing that because he's now getting close to full fitness.

“As always, sometimes you have to spend a little bit more time on selling the club to players and convincing them this is where they should be spending some time, and when you do convince them and they come here, they never want to leave because they suddenly realise what a good club this is.”

Reading boss Steve Coppell said: “In terms of whether Leroy stays there, you'll cross that bridge when you come to it. I'd imagine on the back of that hat-trick they'll want to extend it, so we'll speak with Leroy and see.”