DANNY Loader is pushing for a place in the Reading FC first-team squad for Saturday’s vital home clash with Ipswich Town (3pm ko).

The teenage striker has been in sensational form for Scott Marshall’s Under 23s this season.

The England Under 17 World Cup winner took his tally to eight goals in nine games with a brace in last weekend’s rollercoaster 5-4 win at Aston Villa.

That was enough to convince boss Paul Clement to invite Loader to join in first-team training this week ahead of the ‘six-pointer’ against Championship basement boys Ipswich Town.

And Loader’s chances of getting on the pitch have improved with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson ruled out for six weeks and fellow striker Yakou Meite a serious doubt.

Clement’s decision to promote 18-year-old Academy graduate Loader will be welcomed by Reading supporters.

“Danny has been training with the first team all week,” explained Clement. “I think he’s served his opportunity to come much closer to the first team after what he’s been doing for the Under 23s.

“They are positive signs. I know we’ve got good, young players here and they’ve had to be patient because the squad is large, but they’re getting much closer which is good.”

He added: “I always speak with Scott about who has done well and how the Under 23 games go. They are doing very well in the league. Danny and Ben House both scored twice in that amazing game against Aston Villa last weekend.

“I like Ben as well. I remember seeing him towards the end of last season and he’s an old-fashioned centre-half, a battering ram and doesn’t take any nonsense. He really gets stuck in.”

However, Clements worst fears were confirmed this week when Jon Dadi Bodvarsson was ruled out for six weeks after breaking a bone in his back.

“We think he’ll be out for six weeks but hopefully no longer than that,” he explained.

But Clement insists Meite has not been completely ruled out of Saturday’s clash, despite limping out of last weekend’s 3-2 win against Bristol City with an ankle problem.

He admitted: “It is disappointing news about Jon Dadi. He’s had a good start to the season and was scoring goals and working hard for the team.

“Yakou is doing the same, though I’m, more hopeful he’s going to be okay for the weekend.

“He hasn’t trained yet this week, but we’re very hopeful he can do something today and tomorrow before we assess how fit he is then make the decision.

“It’s an ankle injury he rolled it in that first heavy challenge on the Bristol City centre-back. He went in very committed but landed awkwardly and rolled it slightly so he couldn’t continue.”

“If he isn’t fit I’ll have to come up with another plan.”