LONDON (Kyodo) Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto, who is on loan from Premier League club West Bromwich Albion, has been given permission to play for Championship team Cardiff in its F.A. Cup third-round clash against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, Cardiff officials said on Friday.

West Bromwich, which earlier did not allow Inamoto to play for Cardiff in cup competitions, has changed its policy at the request of Cardiff officials hoping to extend his stay at the club.

Inamoto joined Cardiff in December on a one-month loan in a move to regain fitness after being limited to just eight reserve outings since joining Albion in August.

Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence said last weekend that both clubs have agreed that his contract can be extended by up to three months depending on the results of monthly reviews of his performances.

Playing for Cardiff in the F.A. Cup will rob Inamoto of an opportunity to wear the Albion shirt in the tournament.