Reading v Doncaster. Team news

Last updated : 21 October 2008 By Angus Muller
Coppell saw his side throw away a lead to lose at Preston on Saturday and will decide whether to make changes to the XI which started at Deepdale.

Midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson was a doubt to face North End after picking up a niggle while away on international duty with Iceland but came through 84 minutes unscathed and is available to start.

James Harper was a late substitute on Saturday but is fully fit after his recent calf problem and will be hoping to start.

Czech Republic midfielder Marek Matejovsky is close to returning to the squad after his ankle injury although captain Graeme Murty and fellow defender Michael Duberry remain sidelined with calf injuries.

The two sides have not met in any competition since the Royals recorded a 2-0 win in the old Division Three in May 1986.

Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll is sweating over the fitness of defender Adam Lockwood ahead of the trip to face high-flying Reading.

Lockwood suffered a back injury in the 0-0 draw with Blackpool at the weekend and is awaiting the verdict of a specialist before making the trip.

If Lockwood is unable to make the Madejski Stadium clash, Jos Van Nieuwstadt may be brought in for his first league start of the season.

O'Driscoll could also be without striker Gareth Taylor who has suffered complications with his hamstring problem, which could pave the way for Darren Byfield to earn a recall to the starting XI.

Midfielder Richie Wellens is out for a further three weeks after undergoing an operation to remove scar tissue from his groin.

Long term injury worries Sean McDaid (knee) and Gordon Greer are back in training, but lack the necessary match fitness to feature against the Royals.

Sporting Life.