JOHN Swift will undergo a scan after injuring his ankle on England Under 21 duty.

Royals' midfield playmaker limped out of their clash against Italy U21s at Southampton's St Mary's stadium last night.

Swift, who joined Reading from Chelsea in the summer, impressed from the start and was involved in Demarai Gray's early goal in the 3-2 victory.

But he appeared to roll ankle around the half-four mark and was forced off the field.

Swift, who was replaced by Derby County's Will Hughes, has been in outstanding form for club and country this season.

If a scan reveals long-term damage it will be a major blow for Royals boss Jaap Stam.

The 21-year-old has bagged four goals for Reading already this season and has collected two Player of the Month awards for August and September which were voted for by supporters.

Aidy Boothroyd's Young Lions secured the victory against Italy thanks to further goals from Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker and Saints defender Jack Stephens.

It also extended England U21s unbeaten run to 15 matches.

Meanwhile, Royals keeper Ali Al Habsi missed out on the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for October.

The 34-year-old Oman international kept two clean sheets for the Royals during the month and was superb between the sticks in the victories against Rotherham United and Nottingham Forest.

He was one of four players nominated for the award along with Fulham’s Sone Aluko, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle.

Aluko took the honours when the winner was announced this morning, while Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez was named Manager of the Month for October.