CHARLTON defender Talal El Karkouri has been allowed to join Qatar side Al Gharafa on loan for the rest of the season.

The Moroccan international has featured in only 12 league and cup games for the first team this season and could make the move a permanent one in the summer.

Addicks boss Alan Curbishley said: "Talal expressed a desire to have the chance of joining the club because of his lack of first-team opportunities this season, and the chance to play regularly with Al Gharafa.

"He missed a large part of the first half of the season through injury and hasn't played too many games since, so I was happy to give him this opportunity."

The Qatar league season ended on Monday, but El Karkouri is expected to play in the Asian Champions League. He could make his debut next Wednesday.

The 29-year-old has struggled this season after an impressive 2004/05 campaign in which he scored five goals following his £1million transfer from Paris St Germain.

His last first-team appearance came as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at The Valley at the end of February.