DANNY Loader has travelled north with the Reading FC squad and could be involved against Wigan Athletic or Leeds United.

The 18-year-old striker has been in super goalscoring for Royals Under 23s with seven goals in his last seven games.

He also netted for England Under 19s against Moldova last week and is believed to be attracting interest from several German top-flight clubs.

With Royals ace Jon Dadi Bodvarsson ruled out for at least another two weeks through injury, Loader could now find himself involved in the clash at DW Stadium this Saturday (3pm ko) or Elland Road next Tuesday night (7.45pm ko).

Reading boss Paul Clement said: “It’s a big squad but, going into this section of games, it isn’t as big as it looks. Some players are in the Under 23s, some are coming back from injury, some are out injured.

“It’s an opportunity for some of the younger ones like Danny Loader for example.

“He trained with us leading up to the Ipswich game, went away with England and scored and is training with us again. He’ll be in the squad for these next games.

“He’s doing well and I see him maturing physically. He looked strong, he’s a really good finisher and he’s training every day with us because he deserves it based on his performances, not so much for the national team, but for the Under 23s.

“He’s part of the first-team squad now.”

Injury update

Paul Clement gave an in-depth run down on the state of his squad.

On Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: “He’ll be a couple more weeks.”

On Mo Barrow: “He didn't go away on international duty and he’s been unwell since last weekend so he’s a big doubt for Saturday.

“It’s a shame because after the period when he was left out he was getting his confidence back and playing okay, but he won’t be available.”

On Saeid Ezatolahi: “He’s started running but still has a way to go.”

On Dave Edwards: “He’s close to re-joining training.”

On Paul McShane: “Unfortunately he’s aggravated the previous injury related to his knee and hamstring which had kept him out and it won’t settle down. It’s an ongoing once and I’m not sure how long it will be before he comes back.

“It’s disappointing for the team and for him personally as we need that competition.

“He’s finding it hard because he’s such an enthusiastic guy and he wants to help the team.

“He’s a real competitior and he’s finding it very difficult.

“We’re trying to find stability in defence and you want to have different solutions to get the clean sheets we’re so desperate for.”

On Vito Mannone: “He’s been working with Dave Beasant and hasn’t done that much with the team yet, but he’s much closer to being available.

“Soon I’ll have three fit goalkeepers who have all played this season, so watch this space.”

On Omar Richards: “He trained with us on Thursday which was his second or third session. What’s important for him is that he gets himself fit and strong which he will do by working most of the time with the Under 23s and getting regular games and coming in and out first-team training.

“Hopefully he won’t break down and will become robust and strong enough to play at the level he’s capable of. I’m sure when he does he will be much more involved with the first team.”

On Jordan Obita: “There’s no change. I’m just waiting for our physio Jon Urwin to say it’s time for him to back in.

“He has good days and bad days. They’re trying all sorts of thigs to settle the knee down and make sure it’s in good condition.

“In the summer we were hoping he could be back around about now, but the knee hasn’t responded well enough. I’m still optimistic and we would like it to be sooner rather than later.”