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Forgotten man Jack Stacey will hope to get his career back on track with a one-month loan deal with Carlisle United.
The gist of it
The 19-year-old winger, who has made six first team appearances, seemed to be one of Steve Clarke's favoured Academy products last season as he broke into the side towards the end of the season. Unfortunately, a major injury ruled him out of pre-season. That's meant this season has been one of playing catch-up.
He'll go straight into the squad for promotion-chasing Carlisle, who take on Yeovil Town and Bristol Rovers over the Easter weekend.
The Cumbrians sit outside the League Two play-off places by six points, but have a game in hand over their rivals and will hope Stacey's arrival helps propel them upwards.
This loan is Stacey's second loan spell this season, after a short stint at League One Barnet.
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Read the latest loan round-up.
High hopes
It's clear Steve Clarke rated Jack Stacey highly. The youngster would likely have made further first team appearances this season had injury not curtailed his progression. This loan spell gives him an opportunity to get match fit, minutes of first team football and experience.
Reading FC are expecting a major overhaul this summer, with six loanees expected to depart and the likes of HalRobson-Kanu and Anton Ferdinand out of contract. That could well open the door for Academy graduates like Stacey to break into first team reckoning, so this is a big opportunity for him to impress.
Keep an eye out for The Tilehurst End's Loan Watch to see how he fares in a League Two play-off push.