Reading FC goalkeeper Luke Southwood spot under threat after Karl Hein signing

“We lost Rafael unexpectedly,” Paunovic explained. “But that happens, so we wanted to strengthen that position. So far we've seen him do well in training and showing his talent and what he can bring to the table.

“We still need to see more from him but he's someone who will strengthen the position and help the team.

“Every player is different so he brings different things. He has international experience which raises his value. He's a different player from what we have here and is in good shape, and ready for the opportunity.

“We don't give promises,” Paunovic said when asked if Reading had an agreement with Arsenal on how much Hein must play this season. “Everyone who comes in has a fair chance to succeed.”

Rafael Cabral earlier this season. Image by: JasonPIX

The signing of 19-year old Hein took some by surprise as even without Rafael, Reading already had three goalkeepers at the club after bringing back Jokull Andresson and James Holden from their respective loans at Morecambe and Maidenhead.

Paunovic says the club will look for the best course of action with the two young shot-stoppers but that that might mean staying rather than going back out on loan - even the decision sees them with limited game-time.

“We will look at opportunities for them and the other goalkeepers but for some of them, it's better they stay with us. Given our situation, we need to have people available in training and to raise the level of training.

“That was disrupted over the past few months and I need to remind you again why we are in this situation. It's a lack of physical fitness and preparation because of Covid.

“Training is very important now. We'll have a two week break after QPR and in February I believe we will catch up. We are already close to catching up with our opponents on a fitness level.”

Of course, the biggest question mark in relation to Hein’s arrival comes not with the two recalled keepers but with Luke Southwood, who has started much of the season as Reading’s number one after displacing Rafael.

Luke Southwood lies on the ground after his error allowed Huddersfield to score. Image by: JasonPIX

Southwood has in recent weeks made a number of high-profile errors including on Saturday against Huddersfield when he dropped the ball from a free-kick allowing Danny Ward to score.

Paunovic refused to guarantee Southwood’s spot, instead saying every place in the team is always up for grabs - including his.

“To Luke's credit, others are trying to do what he did to them. He earned the spot and in fairness to the whole situation, we gave him that opportunity. It's completely fair to do the same to someone else, to raise the level and improve the team.

“If somebody cannot handle that then it'll be difficult for him not just here but everywhere, that's how it works.”