To see today's training session...

Federici has earned tremendous plaudits since making a temporary switch from Reading to the Shrimpers in English football's third tier.

He feels regular first team football has helped him a great deal and he may yet extend his stay for another month.

Before that though, there is the small matter of a World Cup qualifier in Bahrain.

Federici told the Evening Echo: "It’s a huge honour to be called up for my country and it would be even greater to play.

“I’m obviously up against Mark Schwarzer who is a great guy and a very experienced keeper so I’m not sure what will happen but either way it’s just great to be involved and it will be brilliant to meet up with all the guys again.”

Federici will then fly back to England and prepare for Southend's match against Oldham Athletic at the weekend - the last match of his second month's loan.

However, he is not against the idea of extending his stay at Roots Hall for a little longer still.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen," he said.

“I need to speak to Reading but I would certainly have no problems with staying at Southend for longer."

To see today's training session...