Alex McCarthy called up to latest England squad.

After many impressive performances over the last few weeks for Reading, Alex McCarthy has finally been called up to the England setup. Since his return from injury against Liverpool in mid-April McCarthy has performed at a England level standard and has kept Reading in many of their post-relegation matches. McCarthy has previously featured in the England U21 setup making 3 appearances for Stuart Pearce's side. McCarthy is the first Reading player to come through the youth ranks to be called up by England and youth coach Eamonn Dolan was more than delighted with the call up, he had this to say on the matter :-

McCarthy for England U21's

"For Alex to make the England squad and hopefully get a cap will be thrilling for him, Credit goes to Sal Bibbo, Colin Barnes, Steve Smith and Alex's father and many others who have worked with him and helped shape him into the fine player he is, they will all be delighted"

 

Many of Alex's Reading team-mates have congratulated McCarthy over his call-up on Twitter with Adam Le Fondre, Hal Robson-Kanu and Noel Hunt all showing their congratulations.

With the call-up their are likely to be many Premiership teams interested in the 23 year old but Adkins has stated that it would have to be a big amount of money to move McCarthy     away from the Royals who seems very reluctant to sell the goalkeeper.

 

Is Uche Ikpeazu the next big thing?

Reading U18 striker Uche Ikpeazu

This year in Reading FC U18's Uche Ikpeazu has bagged a remarkable 28 league goals in their very successful season, and having just won Reading FC Scholar Of The Year for the 2012-13 season the future is looking bright for the young striker. The u18's are currently sitting 2nd in the U18 Premier League sitting 3 points behind Fulham who have played a game more and sitting 1 point ahead of Man Utd who have played 2 games more, the U18s could end the season winning the League which would be seen as a huge achievement by many. the Royals are currently on a  9 game unbeaten streak beating the likes of Man Utd, Fulham, Chelsea and Everton. The 18 year old Nigerian striker has bagged an incredible 5 hat-tricks over the course of the season, one of those was against Chelsea and two against Arsenal in both fixtures in the season. Many have likened him to his idol Didier Drogba in his approach to the game, and his playing style. I would not be suprised if he is a regular starter in the next few seasons as his talent is undeniable, a natural goalscorer which is just what the first team needs! Unfortunately he hasn't been given any chance in the first team set up this year, but it will naturally take time to break into the time, i think Uche could be the missing link in a winning formula that has been clearly missing this season.

Rodgers wants Pearce!

Rodgers sets his sights 
on Pearce
Liverpool look set to sign Royals defender Alex Pearce on a free transfer when his contract expires in the Summer. Pearce would be reunited with former Reading boss Brendan Rodgers if he were to join the Merseyside giants, Pearce has reportedly turned down 8 fresh offers from Reading giving Adkins no choice but to sell last seasons Player of the Season and Vice Captain, Pearce hasn't played since last months 4-1 loss to Arsenal  which has sparked the fresh speculation that he is heading towards the exit door at the Madejski Stadium, Rodgers believes that Pearce could be the perfect replacement for retiring legend Jamie Carragher, Rodgers is also a very big fan of Pearce often admiring his work rate and dedication and making him Captain when he was Reading manager. Personally i think it will be a very big loss for the Royals as his work rate is second to none and always gives 100% for the team, but i do believe he is replaceable with Sean Morrison proving his worth this season he could be the successor to Pearce. i personally wish Pearce the best of luck at Liverpool if the deal does happen as i am a huge admirer of the Irishman.