Reading's Aussie goalkeeper Adam Federici managed a stunning equaliser in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Cardiff. Federici, 23, making only his third Championship start for the club, said: "I saw our bench signalling me to go up for a corner - but by then I was already halfway there!

"I got my head to Stephen Hunt's corner but so did our defender Michael Duberry. We both fell over.

"I think Cardiff keeper Peter Enckelman parried the ball but I jumped up and poked it in.

"I already had my celebration worked out. But I never got to do it because everyone swamped me.

"I'm not telling you what the celebration is - it's an Oz thing. I'm keeping it secret for my next goal!

"I love playing outfield a lot in training - I'm quite a striker. I even played outfield in a pre-season friendly for Reading reserves against Bromley two seasons ago.

"What a fabulous day this has been. My dad Tony and uncle Joe have just travelled 10,000 miles from Oz and seen it. How good is that?"

Federici has waited patiently for nearly four years for his break. It finally came when American stopper Marcus Hahnemann damaged a calf muscle earlier this month.

Even Hahnemann said: "Everybody will be talking about Fed's goal - but his fantastic save from Roger Johnson just after the interval was just as important."

Federici added "If I hadn't been here I'd be spending Christmas on the beach at home in 40 degrees heat. But I wouldn't change this for the world."