Martin makes Pompey return

Martin Cranie has returned to Premier League Portsmouth after his loan spell with Charlton expired at the end of December.

Charlton clinched the capture of versatile defender Cranie on loan until the end of 2008 just 20 minutes before the end of the August transfer window.

The 21-year-old made his Addicks debut in the 3-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at The Valley and went on to feature in a further 18 games in a red shirt.

The England U21 international played all across the back four during his time in SE7, but has now travelled back to Fratton Park.

Cranie started his career with Southampton, taking in loan spells with AFC Bournemouth and hometown club Yeovil Town.

He subsequently followed Harry Redknapp to Pompey in summer 2007, making his Blues bow against Manchester United, and has played three times for Portsmouth.

He went out on loan to Queens Park Rangers last season, featuring against the Addicks at The Valley, but his time at Loftus Road was cut short by a broken leg.

The departure of Cranie means another enforced change to Phil Parkinson's starting XI in the FA Cup clash with Norwich City at home on Saturday (3pm).

The newly appointed permanent Addicks boss, who has been told by Derby County that on-loan defender Jay McEveley cannot play in the tie, could hand a recall to Yassin Moutaouakil at right-back, with Jose Semedo another option. Grant Basey or Kelly Youga will battle it out for McEveley's left-back spot.

Charlton will also be without Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn against the Canaries, with the Black Cats not granting permission for the youngster can play.

Cranie's exit means Charlton now have three loan players on their books, with Deon Burton's temporary switch from Sheffield Wednesday having become a permanent deal on a free transfer.

Luke Varney's loan move to Derby is also now permanent after an initial month-long loan spell with the Rams, during which he has scored one goal in six appearances.

In other loan news, Addicks youngster Aswad Thomas played the full 90 minutes in midfield as Lewes lost 2-0 at home to Eastbourne Borough on New Year's Day.

The match was the final game of Thomas' three-month loan stint with the Sussex side, and the defender has now returned to SE7.

The result keeps Lewes one place off the foot of the Blue Square Premier table after bottom side Northwich Victoria and Charlton's Rashid Yussuff's game at Altrincham was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

Read a preview of Saturday's FA Cup match against Norwich City here.

Read how the club announced Parkinson's permanent appointment here.