Connor Wickham, a former youth prospect and triallist with Reading, has joined League One relegation rivals Charlton Athletic until the end of the season.

Now 30, the striker spent time in the youth ranks with the Royals before making a name for himself with the likes of Ipswich Town and Sunderland.

Released by MK Dons in 2022, the former England Under-21 regular spent a period on trial with the club under Paul Ince during a pre-season campaign at St George's Park.

Scoring while on trial, Ince never signed the striker, who went on to impress with Forest Green Rovers before earning a move back to the Championship with Cardiff City.

The Addicks, under the guidance of Nathan Jones, were struggling for form in the bottom three but have since gone on a six-game unbeaten run and moved above the Royals in the battle to avoid the drop.

Wickham arrives with 10 games left of the season, hoping to keep the former Premier League regulars in the third tier.

Manager Nathan Jones commented: "Connor’s been here for a couple of weeks and we like the human being, so that’s the start. The experience, physicality and quality he has makes him a really good signing. We’re pleased to have him in and it’ll be interesting to see how much we can get out of him."

“I’m excited to be here,” added Wickham, who will wear the Addicks’ number 13 shirt. “It’s a good opportunity for me to work with a good group of lads and a good manager for the last part of the season, so it’s something I’m looking forward to. Results lately have picked up and it’s going to be a big push until the end of the season.”"