It looks almost certain that Joe Gamble will become a Reading player within the next 24 hours. The 18-year-old Irish underage international has made a big impression at the Madejski Stadium, so much so that boss Alan Pardew is ready to offer him a contract.

Gamble has been a sensation in his week with Reading. He had a great game against Dulwich Hamlets at the weekend and followed that up with an even better performance against Cheltenham on Tuesday night.

Pardew said: "I'm going to sit down and discuss things with Joe but I would like to keep him and will probably offer him a one-year contract.

"I was very impressed. I don't think I've ever seen that kind of performance from an 18-year-old lad against what was a big strong physical side who will do well this season."

Gamble said: "I'll have a chat to the manager and see what he says. I'd like to stay here. I've enjoyed my time and I thought I played quite well against Cheltenham who were very big and strong."

While Gamble is joining the club it looks as if another Irishman is about to leave.

Former Newcastle United midfielder Jimmy Crawford has struggled to get into the first team since he joined Reading - more accurately, since he suffered an injury shortly after joining Reading.

Crawford was a big hit at first, scoring freely from midfield but injury held up his progress and he fell out of favour.

Jimmy is hoping that pastures new will help him to rediscover the form that made Newcastle sign him. Cardiff are interested in signing him and he would relish a move to Ninian Park.

Cardiff boss Billy Ayre said: "Jimmy's been trying to sort out a release from Reading, and we hope to do a deal sometime this week."