Former Villa star Hendrie fails to win Reading deal

Reading boss Brian McDermott has backed midfielder Lee Hendrie to make his mark on the Championship - but not at the Madejski.

The ex-England international has been on trial with the Royals but McDermott has decided not to offer him a contract.

He told The Reading Post: "It was a shot to nothing for us. He really wants it and he was great in training, but I just felt for us that we had players who could play in his position.

"I can't speak highly enough of the lad and wish him all the best for the future.

"I could have kept him here for another week, but it's not fair on him. He was great to have around and he was really good about it when I told him we couldn't do anything for him.

"At the right club, with the right manager and right set-up he can still do a job in the Championship. I'm sure of that. He's not a wide player any more and needs to be playing through the middle and I've got players who can do that here."