Nathan Ellington's torrid time at Watford may have once again come to an end after he joined Greek side Skoda Xanthi FC on loan for 12 months with a view to a permanent move.

Ellington will not be part of the Hornets squad on matchdays before he formally links up with Skoda Xanthi on January 1.

The former Wigan striker is the Hornets' highest earner and his contract does not run out until the summer of 2011 but Skoda Xanthi have the option to sign the 28-year-old when his loan comes to an end on December 31 2010.

Xanthi are currently 11th in the Greek Super League but Ellington told Sky Sports News: "I'm really thrilled to be here and I want to help the team climb higher in the table and even qualify for Europe.

"This is the first time I'm playing outside of England and it's a new experience for me."

Ellington is Watford's record signing after joining the club from West Bromwich Albion for £3.25m in the summer of 2007.

But the striker only scored four times in his first season at Vicarage Road and was last season loaned out to Derby County in a £1.5m deal and was expected to sign for the Rams on a free transfer in the summer.

However, Ellington's former Wigan boss Paul Jewell left Pride Park mid-season and his replacement Nigel Clough decided against signing the striker permanently.

Ellington has made 18 appearances so far this season but 16 of those have been from the bench and he has only scored one goal – the last-gasp equaliser against Ipswich.