Brian McDermott has thanked Reading owner Anton Zingarevich for providing the funds to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

The Royals brought in Jason Roberts, Tomasz Cywka, Matthew Connolly and Karl Sheppard while also agreeing new contracts with Jimmy Kebe, Alex McCarthy and Mikkel Andersen.

McDermott told the club's official website: "Beforehand we were bringing in players that we knew were good for the future, now we've got players who are proven at the level.

"We're at a different place now, I'd have to thank Anton for that. We're looking to build a club, rather than get to a certain stage and lose two or three big hitters.

"I've have to put up with that, but that's not the case now, it's what I've been promised by the new owner, we speak regularly."

Meanwhile, Reading have confirmed teenage striker Gozie Ugwu has joined Blue Square Bet Premier side Ebbsfleet on loan until March.