McDermott eyes loan market as Ingimarsson nears return

Anthony Smith • Published 23 Sep 2010 12:30 0 Comments

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READING manager Brian McDermott is still in the hunt for loan signings - and he refused to rule out signing one before Saturday’s home clash against Barnsley (3pm ko).

McDermott narrowly missed out on landing a striker in the summer transfer window amid rumours he was tracking West Brom’s former Royals striker Simon Cox.

The likes of Leicester City’s Matty Fryatt and Peterborough’s Craig Mackhail-Smith have also been linked with moves to the Madejski Stadium.

And it appears McDermott is still keen to bolster his strikeforce, with cash still available from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s record £7 million move to Hoffenheim.

McDermott, who has been busily scouting around the country this week, told the Chronicle: “I went to a games on Tuesday and Wednesday so if there’s a player out there who can help the squad we will do it.

“We’re actively looking at possible loans but there is nothing definite at present.

“I can’t say whether we will sign anyone before the weekend. But we’ll keep looking so let’s see what happens.”

Royals need to find goals from somewhere as they look to supplement the 29 scored last season between the recently-departed duo Sigurdsson, who hit 20 alone, and Grzegorz Rasiak.

Winger Jimmy Kebe and centre-back Matt Mills top the current charts with three apiece while Sigurdsson has two.

But Shane Long is the only recognised striker still at the club who has found the back this season, and that came from the penalty spot when Royals defeated Crystal palace 3-0 in their last home game.

And with attacking midfield Brian Howard set to start a three-match ban, Royals desperately need a boost up front.

“We and attack and try to score goals, that’s how we play,” insisted McDermott. “I’m confident the goals will come.”

Meanwhile, the Chronicle understands club captain Ivar Ingimarsson could be set for a sensational comeback on Saturday.

The 34-year-old talismanic defender has been out for six month following surgery on his hamstring.

He played a full 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday afternoon in a 2-1 victory over Leicester City reserves, with Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu getting the goals.

Ingimarsson, who boasts an incredible wins-to-appearances ratio, could now replace Alex Pearce at the back against Barnsley.

McDermott, though, was keeping his cards close to his chest: “We’ll have to wait and see,” he said. “Ivar played 90 minutes for the reserves but we have to remember he’s been out a long time.

“But we’ll assess him later this week then make a call before Saturday.”

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