Reading FC goalkeeper Luke Southwood has been rewarded for his excellent display in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to West Brom with a place in the Championship Team of the Week.

The 23-year old pulled off a string of terrific saves to keep Reading in the contest at The Hawthorns as West Brom launched a total of 25 shots towards his goal. In the end, Southwood's efforts were in vain as Callum Robinson finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with what proved to be the winner.

Southwood took over the number one job when Rafael Cabral suffered a hand injury following September's 3-3 draw with QPR. With the door slightly ajar, the Reading academy graduate excelled deputising for the Brazilian as the Royals went on to win five of their next six.

Now firmly entrenched as Veljko Paunovic's first-choice goalkeeper, Southwood made one of his first high-profile errors last weekend as he failed to properly deal with Malik Wilks' long-range strike, bouncing off his fingers and into the net.

Reading Chronicle: Southwood celebrates after Reading's 3-2 win at Swansea City. Image by: JasonPIXSouthwood celebrates after Reading's 3-2 win at Swansea City. Image by: JasonPIX

The mistake may have cost his side two crucial points, but on Saturday Southwood displayed the mental resistance that combined with his precocious talent will no doubt see him continue to improve and impress.

The pick of Southwood's nine saves against West Brom came in the second half shortly after Robinson's goal when the Albion attacker cut inside before bending a shot towards the far corner. Seemingly destined to nestle in the back of the net for his second of the afternoon, Robinson was already turning away in celebration when Southwood stuck out a hand and tipped it wide.

Undeniably and deservingly Reading's number one goalkeeper for the foreseeable future, Southwood will look to continue his fine form when his side welcomes Luton Town to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.