McCarthy signs new deal and departs on loan

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has signed a new three-and-a-half year deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015. He has now straight away gone on loan to Championship rivals Ipswich Town.

The deal will last until mid April, with Reading having the recall option at any point. McCarthy has just returned from a successful loan spell at Leeds, where he played six games, keeping three clean sheets and saving a penalty in his time at Elland Road.

Director of Football Nicky Hammond told the official RFC site: ‘I am delighted, Alex is a very highly-regarded young goalkeeper both at our club and in the wider football world, so this is a very important signing for us. It is great news that he has committed himself for another three and a half years.’

The 22-year old is among some of the most highly rated young keepers in the country, having first shown his potential last season for the Royals during Adam Federici’s absence. His performances in the FA Cup that saw Reading get to the quarter-finals, also earned him deserved plaudits.

However, the Reading academy graduate has found it hard to solidify a place in the first team with the form of current number one Adam Federici, who has been in outstanding form for the Royals this season. Danish U21 keeper Mikkel Andersen will play back-up to Federici.