Howard banned for Royals

Reading boss Brian McDermott will be without midfielder Brian Howard for the clash against Barnsley as he starts a three-match ban. The 27-year-old received a straight red card for a late tackle against Middlesbrough and will miss out against his former club. Hal Robson Kanu, Michail Antonio and Jake Taylor will fight it out to replace him while Jay Tabb's ankle injury rules him out. Noel Hunt or Simon Church could return to the side if McDermott continues with a 4-4-2 formation although it is expected he will revert to his favoured 4-5-1 following the defeat against Boro. The game is likely to come too soon for Andy Griffin and Julian Kelly as both continue to recover from hamstring injuries but club captain Ivar Ingimarsson and Chris Armstrong could be fit enough to take their place on the bench after reserve team run-outs.

Source: PA

Source: PA