The Reading custodian has earned praise in droves from Southend staff and supporters alike during his initial month at the club and the Shrimpers are now hoping that they can hang on to him for a little bit longer.

His initial deal ran out after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe United but Southend don't want to let him go.

Manager Steve Tilson hopes Reading will agree to let Federici continue at the club for a couple more weeks.

Federici defeated FourFourTwo-sponsored Swindon Town recently, the Wiltshire club containing Federici's former Reading teammate Simon Cox.

He had no hesitation in labelling Adam as the best keeper in League One. He told the Swindon Advertiser: "Adam is a very good keeper and his kicking is superb.

"His distribution with the ball is very good - he's got that side volley with the low trajectory, which is a real threat.

"I've seen in the papers that he's been in the team of the week every week since he's been at Southend, so he's doing his chances no harm since he's been back to Reading."