Royals recall goalkeeper from Ipswich

Reading have recalled goalkeeper Alex McCarthy from his loan spell at Championship rivals Ipswich Town.

The 22-year old stopper has been been recalled by his parent club due to an injury to Royals back-up keeper Mikkel Andersen. The Danish goalkeeper picked up the knee problem last week and had youth goalkeeper Simon Locke on standby if Andersen could not make the squad.

McCarthy made 10 appearances for the Tractor Boys, receiving fairly mixed receptions during his time at Portman Road. He received a red card against Leeds a few months back, before putting in a man-of-the-match performance against league leaders Southampton in a 1-1 draw.

The former England U21 international will now provide useful back-up to number one choice Adam Federici in the closing games of the season. McCarthy did a similar job last campaign, when he came in for the injured Australian and put in a fine string of performances that saw the Royals only lose twice while he was between the sticks.