Reading vs Birmingham - Reading waiting on Deniss Rakels and Garath McCleary ahead of Birmingham visit

Reading manager Brian McDermott is hopeful Deniss Rakels and Garath McCleary will be available to face Birmingham in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday.

Rakels (hamstring) and McCleary (calf) have been unavailable for the side since the international break but the Royals are hopeful that they will pass a late fitness test.

There are no new injury or suspension concerns for McDermott after the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Hal Robson-Kanu remains on the sidelines due to injury but the Welsh forward is determined to be fit in time to play for Wales in the Euros in France this summer.

Kyle Lafferty could start for Birmingham again after his goal-scoring debut in their 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday.

The Norwich loanee shrugged off a groin injury to play 71 minutes as he regains match fitness following a lack of action at Carrow Road this season.

Boss Gary Rowett is not expected to have further injury worries.

Neal Eardley, who is out of contract in the summer, is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.