Reading manager Brian McDermott defuses row after player's girlfriend makes outburst on Twitter

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici (GETTY IMAGES)

Reading manager Brian McDermott is sure there is no unrest within the dressing room following a Twitter outburst by Adam Federici's girlfriend.

The Australian goalkeeper was dropped for Sunday's home match with Tottenham, with Alex McCarthy playing in his place.

Federici's partner took to her now-deleted Twitter account after the 3-1 defeat to express her disappointment at McDermott's decision, leading the Reading boss to calm talk of problems behind the scene.

"There's nothing I can do about someone's Twitter feed," he said.

"I can't help what players or their girlfriends put on Twitter - if that's the case, then it's a shame.

"The fact of the matter is that I spoke to Adam and made a decision that Alex McCarthy was going to play.

"No player at the club has a position that means they will play every week - no player.

"Adam Federici has done fantastic for me and I know him really well as a person and player.

"He works really hard, but things haven't gone his way at the start of the season so Alex has come into the team. It's no different for a full-back, centre-half or striker.

"If there is Twitter stuff going on and there are emotional messages then there is not a lot I can do about that.

"I'm not one of these managers that says you will get fined £1,000 for going on Twitter."

PA