Ipswich v Reading. Match preview

Last updated : 13 September 2008 By Angus Muller
Stead arrived on loan from Sheffield United and is fit to start - but may have to settle for a place on the bench with Pablo Counago starting alongside Kevin Lisbie.

David Wright played the full 90 minutes of the 3-3 reserves draw with Colchester in midweek as he comes back from the ankle injury he sustained on the opening day so is in contention while David Norris will also feature after he stepped up his return from an ankle injury of his own in the same match.

Defender Alex Bruce sits out the third and final game of his suspension while a late decision will be made on midfielder Veliche Shumulikoski after his exertions with Macedonia.

Reading will again be without captain Graeme Murty for the trip.

Murty sustained a calf injury during pre-season but came through 84 minutes of the reserves' thumping 10-1 win over Lewes in midweek.

However he reported a twinge after the game so will not be rushed back - particularly as stand-in right-back Liam Rosenior put in an outstanding display in the 4-2 win over Crystal Palace last time out.

Midfielder Kalifa Cisse is still doubtful with his toe injury so youngster Jem Karacan could keep his place but Marek Matejovsky is definitely out as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

Defender Sam Sodje scored a brace against Lewes on his comeback from a knee injury but is short of match fitness and Michael Duberry (calf) remains a few weeks away from a return.

Striker David Mooney staked his claim for a debut after bagging a hat-trick against Lewes but midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson is still out with his knee injury.

Sporting Life