Out-of-favour Meyler tight-lipped on exclusion from Reading plans

DAVID MEYLER has indicated that now is not the right time to speak about his exclusion from the first team squad at struggling Reading.

The Ireland international has been told he can leave the club he joined in the summer.

His switch from Hull has turned into a nightmare with Meyler’s last appearance coming on September 1. There were injury issues at that stage of the year, but the Corkman is now completely out of favour and is on a list of players told they have no future with the club by new boss Jose Gomes.

The Portuguese replaced Paul Clement who paid the penalty for poor results. Reading currently sit second from bottom in the table.

Gomes has told a number of first team squad members they can go if a club comes forward with the right offer.

Local media in Reading have reported that the unwanted contingent – which includes Meyler – have been ordered to train and eat away from the rest of the group.

Meyler addressed his position on Twitter yesterday by saying: “For those asking me about what’s going on with Reading. There’s enough negative (stuff ) around the place at the moment without me adding to it.

“All focus needs to be on supporting the team to help them turn this situation around.”

Earlier this week, his Irish colleague Paul McShane angrily denied that he was in exile and surplus to requirements. He has struggled with fitness issues.

James McCarthy is another Irish player in need of a change in fortunes.

However, Bournemouth have played down suggestions that they will bring the Glaswegian in on loan from Everton.

McCarthy needs games after his recovery from the leg break and was an unused sub in the FA Cup last weekend. West Ham, West Brom and Fulham have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

Injury-plagued Anthony Pilkington has joined Paul Cook’s Wigan Athletic on an 18-month deal after leaving Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, Dundalk skipper Stephen O’Donnell says quitting football to take up a new role on the club’s backroom staff was a tough call. He has been appointed Senior Opposition Analyst & Scout after a brilliant career hindered by injuries.

“It’s something that I haven’t taken lightly,” said the 32-year-old. “It’s time to see the other side of things.”