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Hope Akpan will be cup-tied for Reading's clash with Sheffield United on Saturday
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Hope Akpan sees the funny side of flukey assist

By Jonny Fordham
January 24, 2013

Hope Akpan has seen the funny side of his flukey assist on his Reading debut.

Akpan was introduced as a substitute in the second half of Reading’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United and helped set-up the winner for goal hero Adam Le Fondre.

As the ball fell to the midfielder he went to shoot, but instead scuffed his effort right to the path of poacher Le Fondre, who made no mistake of smashing the ball home.

“Obviously I went to shoot,” smiled Akpan, who became the 10th player to make his debut for the club this season.

“It ended up being a disguised pass and I don’t mind that at all! I’ve had a few comments about it and some of them have been quite funny.”

With Royals still in the relegation zone they will take any result they can right now.

But Reading looked to have turned the corner and midfielder Akpan, signed for £300,000 from League One side Crawley Town earlier this month, is happy to be playing a part.

“The lads have been really good with me since I came here,” said the 21-year-old.

“We’re confident that we can go on a little bit of a run to get us out of the relegation zone.

“I’m always looking to improve my own game and being a Liverpool fan I’ve always looked up to Steven Gerrard – as well as Patrick Vieira.

“I like to get into the box and I’m trying to add goals to my game. I actually used to be a striker, but since I was a teenager I have played in midfield.”

Akpan will be forced to sit out this weekend after he played for Crawley in their 3-1 defeat to Royals in the third round of the FA Cup, meaning he will be cup-tied for Saturday’s fourth round clash.

Dave Kitson and Marcus Williams’ Sheffield United are the visitors to Madejski Stadium (3pm kick-off).

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Most recent user comments 14 of 14

I think this is all we going to get for the transfer market, for this season.

cavlad007
24/01/2013 at 18:01

This is a non-event.

Has anyone heard any more transfer rumours?

The Commentator
24/01/2013 at 17:48

He must be bored at home....LOL Yeah, cheers Jimmy, good one, pha ha ha

Danny0367, Chorley, Lancashire
24/01/2013 at 16:55

http://metro.co.uk/2013/01/24/jimmy-keb ... k-3365718/

What a legend this bloke is becoming.....

ray northstander
24/01/2013 at 16:22

That's a shame. Playing with 10 men again next week then!!

smithy 85, reading
24/01/2013 at 15:49

Its not a joke, the French dont have a sense of humour!

love buddha, Berkshire
24/01/2013 at 15:35

Phew. I thought it was a bt of an odd choice of club for him.

Obviously a gag about the "frogs on the Tyne"!

Fishlips
24/01/2013 at 14:55

Jimmy Kebe ‏@JKebe Oups i thought if you're french and play football u just pop in to Newcastle and sign a contract

A. XYZ
24/01/2013 at 14:52

Fishlips - I think panic over!

From BBC website:

Reading deny Jimmy Kebe is on his way to Newcastle and say the message on his Twitter account was intended as a joke.

Note to BBC - do the check first before freaking me out for 10 minutes!

Smiffy, Reading
24/01/2013 at 14:50

There's me trusting the BBC website! I think panic over as it was probably a hilarious twitter prank!

Sorry Jimmy, ignore previous comment and being gullible! I assumed the BBC may check some facts before publishing things!

Smiffy, Reading
24/01/2013 at 14:48

Kebe!!?? Didnt he only sign a new contract last year??!

I did not see that coming!

Gutted but at least we have McCleary and HRK waiting (literally) in the wings!

Fishlips
24/01/2013 at 14:47

He might need to turn into a winger:

Reading winger Jimmy Kebe on Twitter: "On my way to Newcastle, having medical then sign a 4 year contract. Thank you all for your support you've been outstanding."

At the moment the feeling isn't mutual - your lack of support for Reading is shocking!