Marcus Hahnemann gave Reading a timely boost in their bid to make an immediate return to the Barclays Premier League by coming through a reserve-team clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
The American goalkeeper has been sidelined since sustaining a calf injury against Blackpool on December 9, but he lasted the full 90 minutes as the Royals' second string thrashed Palace 5-0.
Despite his return to fitness, Hahnemann could be forced to wait for a return to the first team due to the impressive form of Adam Federici.
Noel Hunt helped himself to a brace, with Michail Antonio, Marek Matejovsky and recent signing Jay Tabb also on target in an impressive display from Reading. Dan Harding, another recent recruit, turned out for the first time in a Royals shirt.
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