Garath McCleary has sent a message to his Reading teammate Danny Loader, after the striker posted a statement on his Instagram story.

Loader came close to joining Wolverhampton Wanderers on transfer deadline day last week and was at the club for a medical, but the deal fell through at the last minute after Reading reportedly upped their asking price.

The 18-year-old striker was left out of the squad for the 2-1 defeat to Hull City in the Championship at the weekend.

Reading manager Jose Gomes explained his decision to leave the forward out of the trip to the KCOM Stadium, admitting that he needed time to get over the disappointment of missing out on his move to Wolves.

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Loader has since sent a message to Reading fans in a statement on his Instagram story, explaining that he did not hand in a transfer request and that he will always be respectful towards the club.

McCleary has reacted to Loader's statement and has sent a message to the striker on his own Instagram story, assuring him that he was never doubted by his Reading teammates.

Loader came through the academy at Reading and was able to establish himself in the first team at the Madejski Stadium last season, making 31 appearances in the Championship.

The Verdict

Fair play to Loader for coming out and be totally honest about the situation.

It's easy to understand where the striker is coming from too. You can understand him wanting to play in the Premier League and as he says, so you never know when an opportunity like that will come around again.

Loader obviously just wants to reassure Reading fans that he is fully committed to the club.

He must have been devastated when his transfer to Wolves fell through, but all he can do is keeping working hard on the pitch and let his football do the rest of his talking.

I think Reading fans will appreciate his honesty about the situation and I'm sure Loader will appreciate this message of support from McCleary.