Leon Clarke was withdrawn from the squad travelling to Scunthorpe at lunch time on Friday and has joined Crawley Town on loan until the end of the season.

The Addicks have opted not to insert a recall clause in the deal.

Clarke arrived from Swindon on a swap deal in January and while Benson has netted seven times in eight appearances for the Robins, Clarke has failed to impress at The Valley and is expected to depart permanantly in the summer.

Clarke was surplus to requirements at the County Ground after a well documented falling out with manager, Paolo Di Canio. He was loaned to Chesterfield where he scored nine goals. He is allowed to play for a fourth club in a season as his switch to Crawley is an ’emergency loan’ deal.

Temporarilly at least, Charlton find themselves short of firepower, with Bradley Wright-Phillips and Yann Kermorgant currently the only fit senior strikers at the club. It has to be assumed a signing is imminent though both Paul Hayes and Jason Euell could return next week. Scott Wagstaff will probably provide cover for the front two at Scunthorpe.

Clarke had this to say to the Crawley club website:

“I was told by the Gaffer (Chris Powell) that Crawley wanted to sign me. I took a telephone from Steve Evans and within 20 minutes of talking to him I decided I wanted to join them.

“In turn I talked again at length to Chris Powell who spoke very highly of Crawley, Steve Evans and what the club wanted to achieve – promotion is the objective.

“It’s a move that really excites me. Charlton are a fantastic club and I have no doubt they will win promotion but the chance to play regular football at such a progressive club and in a promotion battle was too good to turn down.”

Could be a hectic few days for Powell before the transfer window closes for the season on Thursday.