Federici to put Reading FC before Australia?

In January Australia will host the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. The tournament will kick off on the 9^th with the final taking place in Sydney on the 31^st. Last month Adam Federici was recalled to the Socceroos squad, raising the possibility of Reading being without their first choice goalkeeper for all four league games that month.

Few would blame Federici for swapping the cold winter in Berkshire for sunny Australia. Especially as the opportunity to be part of a home tournament doesn’t come around too often.

But the 29 year old has told Australian sports website The Roar that he might turn down the chance to be part of Australia’s squad. With his Reading contract due to expire at the end of season, Federici is aware of the risk of being away at one of the crucial points of the Championship season, particularly to only be the Socceroos' third choice 'keeper.

"I’m on the last year of my contract here so if I’m available, that’d be great, but ultimately I’m an experienced goalkeeper that loves playing so I’m not one to sit around on the bench."

"January is a big time for us and I’ve got six months left on my contract so I need to be playing."

"I don’t particularly enjoy watching, I love being part of it and putting myself out there to be judged. That will be part of the consideration. But you never know, I’m just trying to play the best football I can this season and we’ll see what happens at the end of it."

If Reading's longest serving player does turn down Australia then it will be further evidence of his commitment to the club. Mikkel Andersen did nothing wrong in his two games earlier this season, but it will undoubtedly be a boost if the Royals can call upon a goalkeeper who remains one of the best in the Championship.