MIDDLESBROUGH forward Alex Gilbert has linked up with Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has been a fringe figure at the Riverside in the first half of the season, playing only 70 minutes in the league and hasn't made a single Championship start.
He has, however, been unfortunate with injuries, having suffered a knee problem earlier in the campaign on the back of an impressive end to last season.
With Samuel Iling-Junior set to sign, Gilbert would have had further attacking competition so it was decided the best course of action was a temporary switch until the end of the season.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones says he tries to avoid loans but couldn't turn down the chance to sign the Boro forward and the Addicks were happy to change their approach to get the deal done.
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Jones said: "I'm delighted to have him. We’ve been looking to add more quality in the final third and Alex provides that. He comes with decent pedigree having played in a very good Championship side this season, who trust us to further his development.
"We don’t really like taking players on loan, but when an opportunity comes up to add real quality, like this, we have to take it."
Gilbert said: "I'm buzzing to finally get it done and finally be down here. I'm massively looking forward to Saturday. Charlton's obviously a big club and from what I've heard the stadium's really nice, so I'm looking forward to playing in front of all the fans."
Charlton's technical director Andy Scott added: "Our focus in this window has been on streamlining the squad to ensure Nathan has players that are going to contribute to the run-in and adding real quality to our team that improves us.
"We’ve been chasing Alex for a while now and we’re really pleased he’s joined us. We believe he has the ability to positively impact the team as he has done a number of times for Middlesbrough in the Championship. He has great quality in the final third, gives us something different in those forward positions and we’re looking forward to watching him in action for Charlton."
