Stack Set For Leeds Challenge

Reading`s number two goalie has not started a Premiership game at Reading this season but tended goal on in two occasions for the Royals, both of them in the Carling Cup.

Stack has also featured in Reading`s goalmouth for the reserve team. Most notably keeping out Chelsea, and Aston Villa Reserves and his clean sheet in the 5-0 demolition of Portsmouth Reserves earlier this month.

Stack`s last first team game came in Reading`s epic 4-3 loss to Liverpool in midweek. Leeds United`s new management pair, Dennis Wise and Gustavo Poyet attended the game to watch Stack and were impressed with his performance despite conceding four goals.

Wise has worked with Stack before at Millwall in the club`s 2004/05 season. Stack had joined Millwall on loan from Arsenal and made 30 appearances for the club including in the UEFA Cup loss to Hungarian side, Ferencvaros.

Stack was plunged in at the deep end yesterday making his debut against Southend. He got off to a winning start making a great save to deny Southend`s Freddy Eastwood from point-blank range and ended the game with a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory.

Stacky could find himself Leeds` number one choice for the spell of his loan period ahead of veteran keeper Neil Sullivan and fellow loanee Tony Warner.

Meanwhile Reading have recalled Adam Federici from Bristol City to take Stack`s place as Hahnemann`s understudy in the Royals first Premiership season.

Manager Steve Coppell said "We`ve recalled Adam Federici from Bristol City so he`ll be our number two. We have confidence in Adam."

Graham Stack is to return to the Madejski Stadium on January 27th but if the keeper becomes a first team starter, Steve Coppell may see it in the keeper`s interest to remain at the club till the end of the season.

"He needs to play. He has the mentality of wanting to test himself, he knows Dennis Wise from his Millwall days and what a great stage for him to go and play." Coppell added.

Best of luck, Graham!

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