McCarthy returns to training

Alex McCarthy has resumed full training more than four months after injuring his shoulder.

The Reading goalkeeper has not played since colliding with a post late in a 1-1 draw at QPR on 4 November.

But a statement on the club website confirmed the 23-year-old is back in action at Hogwell Park ahead of the relegation run-in.

McCarthy made eight appearances this season before his injury and was competing with Adam Federici for a regular starting role.

Federici recently suffered a foot injury, leaving Stuart Taylor to deputise for defeats against Everton and Aston Villa.