Hahnemann has now recovered from the calf injury that kept him sidelined for the past two months but that won't be reason enough to see him take Federici's spot.

The 24-year-old  has been in impressive form since coming into the side  and has kept three successive clean sheets.

Reading manager Steve Coppell told the Wokingham Times: "Marcus will probably be on the bench (against Bristol City this weekend).

"I think he fully accepts the situation. Adam has played very well and been a very important part of the clean sheet process we have enjoyed recently.

"Possession is nine tenths of the law, I have always felt that. I wouldn't say I am surprised by how well he has performed.

"The truth is we never did know exactly how he would do because he has never had that consistent run of games until now."

Federici is delighted with the way things are going but is taking nothing for granted when it comes to keeping the shirt.

He said: "Marcus is training well and played in the reserves game. It's the same situation I was in when I was No. 2.

"He is a great keeper and I am sure he is raring to get back and looking forward to the games as much as I am.

"It is good competition and hopefully it will make us play better."

Federici had been initially included in Pim Verbeek's Socceroos squad for the Japan game but was forced to withdraw due to an injury niggle.