Reading have confirmed that goalkeeper Jokull Andresson has signed a new one-year deal, but will spend this season on loan with League One rivals Carlisle United.

The Academy graduate is yet to make his professional debut for the Royals but featured prominently in pre-season.

With the arrival of David Button, and rumoured arrival of Joel Pereira, the club are forced to balance the back-ups between the sticks.

Mark Bowen, Head of Football Operations, said: “We were extremely pleased to be able to extend Jokull’s contract – he has been at the club for a long time and is very popular amongst the players and the coaches for both his attitude and personality.

“This loan move offers him the perfect opportunity to further hone his skills and stake a claim for a starting place in this division. We want him to gain the necessary experience this season to be able to come back and compete for the number one spot at Reading.”

A popular former loanee with the likes of Exeter City and Morecambe, many supporters had expected the Icelander to feature this campaign.

The Reading Chronicle understand that 21-year-old is unable to feature in either of the scheduled fixtures against his parent club, the first of which is due to take place at the end of November.

The Cumbrians were promoted from League Two last season via the play-offs, and drew their opening league fixture on Saturday against Fleetwood Town.

He could make his debut on Saturday against Reading rivals Oxford United.