Forward makes Reading loan switch

IN-FORM Reading return to League 1 action tomorrow (Saturday) following a 13-day break when they travel to East London to face Leyton Orient, kick-off 3pm.

Reading will be aiming to complete the double over Orient having beaten them 2-1 at home back in September.

The Royals, who currently sit in ninth place, just four points outside the play-off places following a run of four wins and a draw, will be able to call on the services of experienced forward Will Keane who joined the club on loan for the remainder of theseason on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old arrived from Championship side Preston North End, where the Republic of Ireland international has scored 20 goals in 95 appearances.

A Manchester United youth star, Keane won the Jimmy Murphy Award at Old Trafford in 2010 and the FA Youth Cup in 2011.

Taking in four loan spells in the Championship while still a Red Devil, Keane spent time at Hull City and Ipswich Town before signing for Wigan Athletic in 2020.

Enjoying the best time of his career to date with the Latics, particularly under the management of Leam Richardson.

Scoring 50 goals in 128 appearances for the club, Keane netted 27 goals in 2021/22 as the club won League 1 and Keane won the Golden Boot.

Speaking of the signing, Reading manager Richardson said: “I’m delighted to get the acquisition of Will over the line he’s a fantastic person.

“As player, and as person I know him well, I know what he brings to the group. Will has a proven record of scoring goals in this division — and the one above-and will add plenty of quality to our frontline for the remainder of the season.”

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Tom Norcott has joined Farnborough on a one-month loan