WATFORD have today (Friday) secured the services of Reading centre-half Sam Sodje on a month-long loan deal, as Aidy Boothroyd moves to ease his deepening injury crisis.

With scores of first team regulars currently sidelined, Boothroyd has opted to sign the 29-year old Nigerian defender to provide reinforcements for a patched up defensive unit.

And Sodje, who cost Reading £350k when he signed from Brentford in 2006, is likely to move straight into the side if skipper Jay DeMerit fails to recover in time for Saturday's trip to Sheffield United.

Sodje has played over 200 league games in his career, scoring 25 goals in that time, and has also appeared for the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic on loan in recent times.

So far this season the 6' tall defender is yet to appear for the Royals. The deal will see him remain with the Hornets until after the away fixture at Preston North End on Tuesday 28 October. Reading have no right to recall until after 29 days have passed.