Why Tommy Elphick is on red alert at Reading FC

Tommy Elphick. Credit: Eddie Greville

New Reading FC defender Tommy Elphick says he will have to be on red alert for the next couple of weeks - and it's not to do with anything football related.

The 30-year-old penned a loan move to Royals from Aston Villa on Monday but won't be moving down to the area just yet as his wife is due to give birth.

The centre back, who made his debut in the midweek win at Burton, said: "My wife is due in two weeks so it's a bit of an upheaval to move down from Birmingham [to Reading].

"Birmingham is not home for us but it's where our base is so it's tough on the wife and it's family first but she has been absolutely brilliant in this situation.

"I'll try and stay down as much as I possibly can two or three days before a game and get back on days off and try and keep her beside me at all costs in case she drops!

"So the phone is on red alert and hopefully we can get the birth out the way and then think about heading down."

Elphick was Reading's first signing of the transfer window and strengthens the backline following a hamstring injury to club captain Paul McShane.

Elphick made his Reading debut in the win at Burton. Credit: Eddie Greville

The former Brighton and Bournemouth player had fallen out of favour at Villa Park under Steve Bruce and said the attraction of working under Jaap Stam was a big factor in his move to Royals.

Elphick said: "Reading is a massive club and although things haven't gone quite as they wanted this season they are a progressive club with new owners who are investing and a young manager with a vision and a philosophy - and that's hard to come by.

"It's easy to go against that when things aren't going your way but trust me, the players are so lucky to be getting the information and the freedom to play in such an attractive way.

"As a player he [Stam] was immense and someone who made a big impression on me when I first started playing football.

"So I'm looking forward to working with the group and the manager on a daily basis."

Yann Kermorgant. Credit: Eddie Greville

Elphick is reunited with former Bournemouth team mate Yann Kermorgant in Berkshire.

The pair played a crucial role in the Cherries' ascent to winning the Championship title in 2015 before going their separate ways.

Kermorgant signed for Reading in January 2016 while Elphick left in the summer of that year to go to Villa.

"I spoke to Yann briefly to get the background on what the manager wants and try and tune in as quickly as possible," said Elphick.

"I've got a great bond with Yann - we went on a great journey at Bournemouth and I have huge respect for him and what he has done in his career.

"Just having a friendly face in the dressing room is nice to help you settle in.

"He's an absolute beast and with the way he looks after himself I'm not surprised to see him still playing."

Elphick is expected to be handed a start for Saturday's game against Millwall.

getreading reporter Jonathan Low will be providing live coverage of Reading v Millwall on Saturday afternoon from Madejski Stadium.

Follow regular updates through our Twitter account and on our Facebook page with the build-up starting from 1pm.