The 24-year-old Australian, who missed selection for the Socceroos squad for the Netherlands and Oman games, produced several superb saves to help the Royals grab just their second win of the Championship season on Tuesday night.

Federici's Reading teammate Simon Church, who scored the opener at Preston, sang Fed's praises, saying: "He's a top quality goalkeeper and he kept us in the game.

"To be fair he's kept us in a lot of games this season and it was important that we came out on top in the end this time."

Reading, who were relegated from the Premier League two seasons ago, sold several of their best players in the European summer including Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt, leaving their promotion hopes in tatters.

The new campaign has proved difficult under new boss Brendan Rodgers but Federici has been impressive in goals, despite a rare error or two.

Tuesday's win ended a run of just two points in four games for the Royals and Church hopes the tide is turning.

He added: "It's nice to see us get a bit of luck. Previously the ball has been hitting the post and going in but at Deepdale, Feds tipped it onto the post and it went out. That can make all the difference."

Local newspaper, the Bracknell Standard, gave Federici a rating of 9 out of 10 for the Preston game.

Next up for Reading is Brad Jones and Rhys Williams' Middlesbrough at the Madejski Stadium tonighty.