Reading sign QPR defender Matthew Connolly on loan

Reading have signed Queens Park Rangers defender Matthew Connolly on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old is comfortable across the back four and started five Premier League games for QPR this season.

The Loftus Road club does not have a recall on Connolly, who came up through the Arsenal academy.

"He can play anywhere in the back four and we think this is a really good signing," Royals manager Brian McDermott said.

Connolly was a team-mate of Reading defender Kaspars Gorkss at QPR last season and McDermott hopes that their understanding will help the side.

"He's played a number of games in the Premier League this year and played more than 30 times with Kaspars last year," he added.