Reading boss Brian McDermott has played down suggestions of a row with Royals goalkeeper Adam Federici.

McDermott dropped the 27-year-old for Sunday's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which led to the goalkeeper's girlfriend tweeting her disgust.

However, McDermott has quelled talk of unrest, saying: "I've had many issues at football clubs that have been kept very quiet, we've dealt with them and moved on. Sometimes these become public for whatever reason. You see it every day at other clubs, but generally you don't see it here. If it's out there then that's a shame.

"I've got no problem with the fans looking in, that's part of their business. I would understand the fans could think there is unrest, but there is no unrest around here, it's very simple. Adam Federici has done fantastic for me and I know him really well as a person and player. He works really hard, but things haven't gone his way so Alex has come into the team.

"The grey area was that I spoke to the head physio and he told me that Adam has an issue with his knee. Adam doesn't see it that way and he wants to be back fighting for his place."

Federici made 47 appearances for the club last season.