McCarthy is Royals’ secret scout

On-loan Leeds goalkeeper Alex McCarthy could well prove to be a crucial asset for his parent side Reading in the lead up to Saturday’s game against Leeds.

The 22-year old has been on loan at the Royals’ Championship rivals for over a month now and could give his teammates a few tips on how their opposition will play on Saturday.

Captain Jobi McAnuff told the ReadingPost: ‘It`s a good opportunity for us to get some good inside information. He`s been there a while, knows their players and I think it will be an advantage for us.’

“He knows what to say and not what to say and we will try and get all we can out of him. Alex knows where his loyalties lie. They have a pretty steady ship up there and I`m sure they are looking to go all the way.’

McCarthy is enjoying a very successful spell so far at Elland Road, keeping three clean sheets in six games. He also saved a penalty at the weekend with the score at 1-0 to Watford, with Leeds going onto gain a point.

The academy graduate extended his loan spell by another month on Monday and will obviously not be allowed to play any part in Saturday’s game, meaning Andy Lonergan or Maik Taylor will deputise.