New deal for Federici

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici has signed a new contract to keep him at the Madejski Stadium until 2009.

The 22-year-old Australian, who has featured in the club’s FA Cup run this season, has been Marcus Hahnemann’s back-up in the league as Reading have taken the Barclays Premiership by storm.

Royals director of football Nick Hammond said: “Adam has worked extremely hard over the last couple of years and has thoroughly earned this opportunity.

“There’s no doubt that he has a lot of potential and now he needs to take the next step and realise that potential.”