Lita (left) and Kitson were team-mates at Reading for four years

Middlesbrough forward Leroy Lita says he would like to see on-loan Stoke striker Dave Kitson remain with the club beyond his two-month loan.

Lita spent four years alongside Kitson at Reading before the latter's move to Stoke in July 2008.

"Any team in this league would benefit from a player like Dave Kitson in their ranks," Lita told BBC Tees.

"It's up to him and the club, but I'd love to have him here for the rest of the season."

Lita believes the secret to Kitson's success during a career which has spanned 314 appearances, 115 goals and five different clubs, is his unselfishness as a striker.

"I've always respected him as one of the best strikers I've played with," said Lita.

"He's a very good player to play with, takes a lot of balls on, always looks for me and always looks to link up."

Kitson, whose time at Stoke has been difficult, has nevertheless maintained since he arrived at the Riverside in mid-November that his move to Teesside would be a temporary one.

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