Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has signed for Cambridge United on work experience and will be in goal for Saturday's match at home to Kidderminster Harriers.

The 18-year-old scholar has progressed through the youth ranks at Reading and has featured for their Under-18 (runners-up in their league last season) and reserve sides, and he was on standby for the England Under-19 squad this week.

Saturday will not be McCarthy's Blue Square Premier debut; he was drafted in to play one game for Woking in an injury crisis earlier this season, and although the Cards lost 2-1 at Salisbury, according to reports the young 'keeper could not be faulted for either goal.

Alex is a 6ft 4ins commanding figure who comes highly recommended by the Reading coaching staff and he will train with the U's players on Thursday and Friday before making his debut on Saturday.

He has been allocated squad number 20.

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