Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is a doubtful starter against Norwich City on Saturday after injuring his right shoulder in the Premier League draw at Queens Park Rangers.

McCarthy collided with a post when he dived to his right at the end of Royals' 1-1 draw at Loftus Road on Sunday.

After several minutes on the ground, the 21-year-old looked to be in some pain as he walked off down the tunnel.

McCarthy went for a scan on Monday, and is planning to see a specialist.

Last season's No 1, Adam Federici, is now in line to face the Canaries at the Madejski Stadium (3pm).

Australia international Federici was dropped earlier in the season and has also had a knee problem.

Danny Guthrie (thigh) and Noel Hunt (calf) are also injury doubts.

Meanwhile, former Norwich City loan defender Alex Pearce is set for contract talks with Reading this week.

The 2011-12 player of the season started Reading's first four Premier League games of the season before falling behind in the pecking order to summer signing Adrian Mariappa and Sean Morrison.

With Pearce's current deal expiring in the summer, manager Brian McDermott is keen for the 23-year-old to sort out his future with the club.

Republic of Ireland international Pearce, who made 11 first team appearances for the Canaries in 2008, is reported to have been offered a new three-year contract by the Royals.

McDermott said: 'We shall see what happens this week. There is a possibility that there will be talks between Alex, his representative and Nick Hammond.

'Alex has a choice to make and so does his agent. Sean Morrison is now in the team, proved a point and proved he can play at this level.

'He is very much in contention to play because we know he can do it. He's committed and has a three-year deal.'