Preston North End vs Reading - Preston boosted by Wright's return against managerless Reading

Bailey Wright is back from suspension as Preston entertain managerless Reading at Deepdale in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Australia international was a mainstay during North End's six-game run without conceding a goal, but he triggered a two-match ban when picking up his second red card of the season as that streak ended in a 2-1 loss against Blackburn.

Strike duo Stevie May and Jermaine Beckford (both knee) remain long-term absentees, as does winger Chris Humphrey (shin).

Simon Grayson's side are used to facing teams in transition having met QPR, Blackburn and Fulham since the start of November.

Martin Kuhl takes charge of Reading following Steve Clarke's sacking last week.

Former boss Brian McDermott has been tipped to return to the club but reports that he would be unveiled on Wednesday proved premature, so Under-21 coach Kuhl will be in the dugout.

Kuhl will be hoping skipper Paul McShane can return in defence after he missed last week's 1-0 defeat by QPR due to a facial injury.

Midfielders Stephen Quinn (knee) and Aaron Tshibola (ankle) are set to miss out again.