McCarthy: Yeovil helped me to get to where I am

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy believes he wouldn't have achieved his dream of playing in the Premier League if it wasn't for his time out on loan at the likes of Yeovil Town.

McCarthy is currently Reading's number one and put in a man-of-the-match performance against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, a game which was shown live on Sky.

The former England Under-21 international said he is "over the moon" to be playing in the Premier League and stated it is a dream come true.

McCarthy has been given his chance at Reading this season after spending the majority of the last few years out on loan.

The 22-year-old spent the 2009/10 campaign at Yeovil Town, where he made 45 outings for the club.

Speaking to goalkeepers' website GK Icon, McCarthy said: "The loan spells have been massive for my career and it has got me to where I am now. Going out on loan to get experience and being able to play first team football has been unbelievable for me.

"Starting off playing in front of crowds and playing in league games is something you can't beat. Obviously it is better than reserve games because you are playing for points in the league, you are playing for different clubs and therefore playing different ways for different managers - whether it is out from the back or route one up the pitch.

"It is an excellent experience and it has helped me to get to where I am now."

McCarthy's comments were made as part of an interview he conducted with goalkeepers' website GK Icon, which runs coaching sessions for keepers of all ages across the country. Their website includes not only information on their courses, but advice for those hoping to improve as goalkeepers and also regular interviews with 'keepers.

For more information go to www.gkicon.com.

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