GAVIN Kilkenny is reportedly set to cut short his loan spell at Stoke City and instead join Charlton Athletic until the end of the season.

Football Insider claim the Cherries midfielder is booked in for a medical with the Addicks.

The 22-year-old joined the Potters from Cherries on a season-long loan deal over the summer, but has struggled for game-time.

Having made four appearances by the end of August under then-boss Michael O’Neill, Kilkenny was forced onto the sidelines with a knee injury.

Since his return to fitness, new manager Alex Neil has not given any minutes to the young Irishman. He was an unused substitute for Stoke’s 3-1 win over Stevenage in the FA Cup on Saturday.

And now it appears Kilkenny is set to move from Championship Stoke, down to League One with Charlton.

Dean Holden’s men sit 15th in the third tier, with 19 matches remaining in their campaign.

Discussing Kilkenny's situation earlier this month, Cherries boss Gary O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "I think the situation with Gav will be monitored by the recruitment team and the loan manager will be looking at that constantly for us.

“When you send players like Gav on loan, you're hopeful that they gain experience and get playing time.

“He hasn't had as much as he would have liked."