Reading vs Ipswich preview - Federici set for Royals return

Posted Friday, August 15, 2014 by PA

Adam Federici is set to return in goal for Reading when they host Ipswich.

Federici got the nod for the opening-day draw against Wigan but Alex McCarthy was given a run-out against Newport in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, one of just two changes made by boss Nigel Adkins.

Hal Robson-Kanu, Danny Williams, Jem Karacan (all knee), Garath McCleary (back) and Danny Guthrie (calf) are all sidelined so once again Adkins will have to keep changes to a minimum.

New signing Anton Ferdinand is unlikely to feature as the former West Ham and QPR defender is still building up his match fitness.

Ipswich are set to welcome back a whole host of players who missed Tuesday's Capital One Cup defeat at Crawley, with David McGoldrick, Tommy Smith and Daryl Murphy among those returning to full fitness.

Cameron Stewart (jaw) and Stephen Hunt (calf) are still absent, while Cole Skuse (foot) is doubtful, but Paul Anderson and Jonathan Parr are on the mend and Mick McCarthy will be hoping to get back to the form which saw Town beat big-spending Fulham in their Championship opener.

"There is good news on the injury front," McCarthy told the club website. "Most of the players have trained, apart from Skusey - he's still on the treatment table but we are hoping he will be able to train.

"Hunt aggravated a calf injury that he had through pre-season but he's on his way back now as well. He has been out there training with the kids - not with the first team yet, but hopefully that won't be far away."