EXCLUSIVE: McCarthy interviewed by GK Icon

ALEX MCCARTHY admits he is targeting an England call-up in the future but stressed he is currently only focussed on holding on to his place in the Reading side.

McCarthy replaced Adam Federici as Reading`s number one earlier this season and has performed well since his introduction to the team in September. The 22-year-old has featured for England Under-21s in the past and was part of the squad which travelled to the Under-21s` European Championship in 2011.

Speaking to goalkeepers` website GK Icon prior to his impressive showing against QPR at the weekend, McCarthy said: "I wouldn`t say it is something I am targeting straight away, but an England call-up is something I want to get to. But the main thing for me at the moment is playing week-in, week-out for Reading and taking every game as it comes.'

"To get an England call up would be the icing on the cake but at the moment I am just concentrating on playing football for Reading." McCarthy is a product of Reading`s youth Academy and has spent much of his time in recent years out on loan.

He says the increase in class between the top flight and the Championship, where he has been playing for the last two years, in big. McCarthy said: "Premier League players have extra quality in and around the box and their delivery into the box is better compared to the Championship.'

"The strikers in the Championship normally need one or two touches more whereas in the Premier League anything can happen and they often hit it first time. For example when Demba Ba hit it straight over his shoulder against me. So the quality is a lot better in and around the box and the delivery is great in the Premier League. The standard of quality is quite a bit higher I think."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Above is part of an interview McCarthy conducted with goalkeepers` website GK Icon, which runs coaching sessions for keepers of all ages across the country. Their website includes not only information on their courses, but advice for those hoping to improve as goalkeepers and also regular interviews with 'keepers. For more information click here to visit the GK Icon website.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.