Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is recovering in the US after undergoing an operation on his hand.

The keeper broke three bones in his hand in our final game of the 2006/7 season at Blackburn, and at that time had two plates and 16 screws inserted.

He has now had the majority of the metalwork removed back in Seattle, and the procedure was fine.

Physio Jon Fearn told readingfc.co.uk, "Marcus has had his operation and it went well.

"He's now had most of the metal taken out, there's just one screw left in there now.

"He just has to take it easy now and let it settle so it can heal properly.

"We don't think it will be a problem for pre-season."

Marcus was third in the 2007/8 player of the season vote after playing in every single minute of our league campaign.

He was also regularly included in the USA squad, but misses out on next week's friendly with England because of this operation.