Haphazard Hahnemann is unlikely to be thrust straight back into first team action on his return from injury as Coppell will no doubt be worried that the American will display some more of the poor form that has been so evident this season.
A succession of clangers from the big American have led to many branding him too unreliable to hold the number one jersey in the long term.
Whilst Ashdown looks set to keep his place in the team until the end of the season, looking into the future, Coppell must make an important decision as to who will be his first choice goalkeeper. Ashdown, who is out of contract at the end of season, is laying a convincing claim to the gloves.
But one can't help but feel that Ashdown will only pen a new contract if he is guaranteed more regular first team football. On current form he is pressing for regular football so a new deal with the Royals could yet be in the offing.
"I am playing for my future and I hope that future is going to be with Reading," said Ashdown, speaking to Teamtalk.
However, Reading will not sit down with any of their out of contract players to discuss new deals until the end of the season. So Ashdown is currently focusing on the here and now and Reading's push for the play-offs.
"It was good to keep a clean sheet against West Ham and hopefully we can keep a few more as we get enough wins to finish in the play-off places," he said.
The Royals will need some steady performances from whoever is put in-between the sticks for the final six games of the season if they are to livetheir top six dream.