Reading FC boss aims to ‘share the load’ between strikers.

Reading manager Noel Hunt is seeking an experienced striker to assist Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Mark O’Mahony.

The 20-year-old has yet to score a goal since joining from the Seagulls at the start of the season, but the Republic of Ireland youngster did smash the crossbar in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers.

O’Mahony scored twice for Portsmouth last season, demonstrating that he is a talented youngster who lacks confidence and still has a lot to learn about competitive EFL football.

Hunt is hoping that an experienced EFL striker will become available during the remainder of the transfer window. “He needs games,” Hunt explained at Adams Park. “He’s a young guy who’s getting better and better.

We understand his need for assistance, and he is aware of it. I said I’d try to get someone in to help, someone he could work with and learn from to share the workload.

I thought he played his best game today. “He came to see me last Monday and said he was worried about his form, and he wasn’t quite right–I told him to strip it all back and go back to basics to work hard for the team and be a nuisance.

Since then, he’s been in and around Bolton, where I thought he posed a significant threat.

I don’t believe it will be too far away, the goal.” With Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan out for up to three weeks, it is clear that the forward line requires significant strengthening over the next eight days, with three matches in three competitions.

Reading host AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, looking to build on their first-round victory over Portsmouth and avenge last week’s 2-1 League One defeat to the Dons, before facing winless Port Vale in the third tier on Saturday.

Next Tuesday’s game is in the lower-tier EFL Trophy, but bragging rights will be at stake as Swindon Town host the Royals for the first time in over two decades.

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