Young Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has recovered from the shoulder injury that has kept him out of action for four months.

Sky Sports reported that the stopper, who picked up the injury in a league game against Queens Park Rangers in November, was back in training for the Berkshire club.

Disarray

The Royals are in disarray following the departure of popular manager Brian McDermott earlier this week, dismissed by club owner Anton Zingarevich following the 2-1 home loss to relegation rivals Aston Villa.

With the team joint bottom of the Premier League, an instant return to the Championship is on the cards unless a replacement is quickly found and the side can find renewed vigour and faith in their ability to beat the drop.

Encouragement

McCarthy’s collision with a Loftus Road upright late last year was a major disappointment for the young stopper, who had been enjoying a run of first team games.

A recent foot injury to deputy Adam Federici has meant inexperienced Stuart Taylor was played in McDermott’s final two games in charge, both of which ended in defeat.

McCarthy’s return is a timely boost to the disorientated squad, who can now be confident of a strong last line of defence for their hugely significant run-in.