Federici proved a huge hit at Roots Hall but he has now returned to Reading to try and challenge for a first team spot there.

He played 10 games during a two-month loan spell with Southend and earned numerous plaudits, as well as finding a place in the Football League team of the week.

Tilson told Reading's official website: "He's been fantastic since he has been here (Southend) and I would certainly put money on him going on and playing in the Premier League."

Federici, who was called into the Socceroos squad for the Bahrain World Cup qualifier, goes straight into Reading's squad for Wednesday morning's Championship clash with Cardiff City.