Soares makes Charlton loan switch

Soares' last start in the Premier League for Stoke came in November

Stoke City midfielder Tom Soares has joined Championship strugglers Charlton Athletic on loan for a month.

Soares, 22, played for the Addicks' arch rivals Crystal Palace before joing the Potters for �1.5m in August.

But he has struggled to hold down a first-team place at the Britannia Stadium, making just eight appearances.

Charlton manager Phil Parkinson told the club website: "I am looking forward to having Tom in my squad over the coming weeks."

Soares is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's league game at Sheffield Wednesday.

The former England under-21 international's switch to The Valley came on the same day midfielder Matthew Spring's loan move from Luton Town became permanent.

Spring initially joined Charlton on an emergency loan and played in the home defeat against Nottingham Forest, but was not eligible for Tuesday's FA Cup third round replay win at Norwich.

The 29-year-old has signed an 18-month deal after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

He spent the first half of the season on loan at Sheffield United, scoring once in 13 appearances.