Hogan Eprahim

Ephraim will cover for Dale Stephens

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Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of Queens Park Rangers winger Hogan Ephraim on loan until January 3, 2012.

The lively attacker, who can operate on either flank or up front, will provide cover in midfield while Dale Stephens recuperates from surgery on his ankle. The former Oldham Athletic youngster is expected to be sidelined until the turn of the year.

The signing is something of a coup for Chris Powell given that the former West Ham United trainee, who cost Rangers £800,000 in 2008, made 28 appearances and scored three goals in their promotion-winning team last season.

Ephraim, 23, featured in their victory at Everton at the start of this campaign, but did was not named in their 25-man Premier League squad at the end of August.

With Stephens missing, Andy Hughes has slotted into central midfield alongside Danny Hollands in recent weeks while Bradley Pritchard returned from injury at FC Halifax Town on Sunday.

Mikel Alonso is also waiting for a chance in the first team, but the new arrival gives Powell the option of moving captain Johnnie Jackson into the centre of the park if needed.

Ephraim will likely jump ahead of Cedric Evina in the pecking order on the left of midfield and the Cameroonian may now face a struggle to claim even a place on the bench in league matches.

Similarly, the signing will create further competition for Scott Wagstaff and strikers such as Paul Hayes and Jason Euell.

Powell moved quickly to complete the deal before this week’s loan window closes and it is thought he will allow Paul Benson to leave the club if a club makes a suitable offer.

The former Dagenham & Redbridge striker was allowed to discuss terms with four clubs over a possible transfer before the transfer window closed in August, but decided to stay at The Valley and compete for a place in the side.

His days now look numbered however with youngster Michael Smith preferred to him on the bench for the FA Cup tie in Yorkshire.

Ephraim is unlikely to feature in tonight’s Kent Senior Cup tie against Bromley at Hayes Lane. Kick-off is at 7.45pm and tickets are priced at just £5.

Let Iain know what you think of the signing and how it will affect the Addicks via Twitter - @IainLiddle