Paolo Di Canio is ready to take charge of Reading.

Di Canio saw Reading lose to Aston Villa on Saturday and is now favourite for the job after Brian McDermott's departure yesterday.

Russian owner Anton Zingarevich decided to act after the Royals' fourth successive defeat left them second-bottom of the Premier League table.

McDermott told pals last night that he was 'devastated' by the decision.

Di Canio, 44, is the early favourite with the bookies to take over.