Karacan dedicates winner to stricken Tabb

Richard Cutcher • Published 17 Oct 2011 17:00 0 Comments

TURF Moor hero Jem Karacan dedicated his dramatic winner at Burnley on Saturday to stricken Reading team-mate Jay Tabb.

Tabb was stretchered off in a neck brace after being hit in the face by a clearance from Clarets keeper Lee Grant.

The 27-year-old was taken to hospital but later discharged without needing X-rays and was able to rejoin his triumphant team-mates on the Royals coach home.

And substitute Karacan, who came off the bench to replace Tabb, fittingly scored the decisive goal nine minutes into injury-time to extend Reading's unbeaten run to five matches.

Midfield ace Karacan, 22, said: "It was nice to get on the pitch, but obviously the circumstances with Tabby were unfortunate.

"He was doing well in there so that goal was for him really.

"It's not nice to see one of your team-mates go down the way he did. Hopefully he's fighting fit and is alright. That win was for him and we hope he gets back to us soon."

Royals boss Brian McDermott echoed Karacan's concerns: "Jay was unconscious for 30 seconds, but he is okay which is the most important thing. At the time it was worrying because it was one hell of a whack."

Tabb was assessed by Reading's medical staff today and has already been ruled out of Reading's home fixture against Derby County at Madejski Stadium tomorrow night (Tuesday, 8pm ko).

However, it is believed he will return to training before the end of the week and could be available to face Southampton at home this Saturday.

Reading skipper Jobi McAnuff is also a doubt for the Derby game after limping off at Turf Moor with a knock.

If he fails a fitness test it could pave the way for Jimmy Kebe's return after a month out with a knee injury.

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