PLAYER PROFILE

Andre Bikey

Position: Defence

Height: 6'0

Weight: 12st 8lbs

Date of Birth: 1985-01-08 Douala, Cameroon

Andre Bikey

Reading manager Steve Coppell strengthened his squad by signing the Cameroon international Andre Bikey from Lokomotiv Moscow on a season-long loan deal in August 2006.

The Royals have the option of sealing a permanent deal for the 21-year-old if he impresses this term.

Bikey had a trial period with the Premiership newcomers in the summer and played in the club's pre-season tour of Sweden.

"He did well in Sweden until he blotted his copybook by getting sent off in the last game, but we feel that happened because he was so determined to impress," Coppell told the club's official website.

"He's a Cameroon international with good experience so we hope he take the opportunity and play a full role in our season.

"Director of football Nick Hammond added: "Andre is a defender with great potential.

"We've had to go through some very lengthy and complicated negotiations with his club in Russia to reach this agreement, but I'm extremely pleased with the terms of the deal."

Bikey played for Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian side's UEFA Cup campaign in 2005/06 and continued this good form in 2006/07 as he proved to be a useful utility player for Reading.

His loan deal was made permanment in April 2007 and he will seek to break into the first team on a regular basis in 2007/08.