McCarthy praises McDermott after Leeds debut

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has praised Reading boss Brian McDermott in helping along his loan move to Leeds United, where he made his debut against Leicester last week, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

The England U21 international went on loan to the Championship rivals this time last week on a one-month loan emergency deal, with the Royals boss wanting the move to go through for Alex.

The 21-year old told GetReading: "I`ve got great respect for Brian. He could easily have said no to this and said he wanted me on the bench, but he knows what is best for me. And I know what`s best for me as well.'

"The main thing is going there to play games. I`ve been sitting on the bench behind Feds [Adam Federici] and so this will be a very good thing for me.'

With first choice goalkeeper Andy Lonergan out with a finger injury and Paul Rachubka making some high profile mistakes, Leeds were on the lookout for a short-term keeper, with McCarthy fitting the bill.

Reading still do have the option though to recall their goalkeeper, but would not be necessary unless Adam Federici and Mikkel Andersen picked up an injury.

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