Reading vs Birmingham preview - Royals pair strain at leash

Posted Friday, April 03, 2015 by PA

Reading could hand debuts to loan signings Nathan Ake and Kwesi Appiah when they host Cardiff.

Midfielder Ake has joined on a month-long deal from Chelsea and striker Appiah arrived from Crystal Palace until the end of the season.

The Royals will be without Danny Williams through suspension and have injury doubts over Simon Cox, who picked up a knock in training recently, and Nathaniel Chalobah (foot).

Jure Travner has had a minor groin operation and is out along with fellow defenders Stephen Kelly and Anton Ferdinand.

Cardiff look set to partner Conor McAleny with Eoin Doyle up front.

The pair are likely to be given the nod after fellow forwards Federico Macheda and Alex Revell both suffered knocks to their backs before the international break, which leaves them doubtful, while Kenwyne Jones has joined Bournemouth on loan.

There is better news elsewhere for boss Russell Slade. Centre-back Ben Turner could make a shock return to the squad having been sidelined with damaged ankle ligaments since the last meeting between the sides in January.

Joe Mason (hamstring) could make the bench having not featured for Cardiff since January 2014, but this match comes too soon for Kagisho Dikgacoi and Anthony Pilkington.