Adam Federici continued to play a crucial role in Reading’s push for promotion to the English Premier League next season with some crucial saves in a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough.

Australia’s No.2 goalkeeper had a busy day at the Riverside and ended the day with his fifth straight clean sheet and 16th for the season.

Federici had his hands full in northern England, having to repel compatriot and Middlesbrough utility Rhys Williams twice in the second half.

The victory put Reading just four points away from one of the two automatic promotion spots for next season.

With manager Brian McDermott tied to a new contract and new wealthy Russian backers, the mood at Reading is understandably buoyant.

There has been plenty of speculation in recent seasons about Premier League clubs circling for Federici’s signature.

However he has remained at the Royals and McDermott said the Australian was a perfect role model for his younger team-mates.

“I’ve known Feds (Federici) since he first came over here. He works really, really, really hard and he practises so much. He practises every single day,” McDermott said this month.

“He lives his life right, everything he does is about him being as good as he possibly can and he’s a good role model for the other players.”