Injury Boosts For Reading

It's been a good day of Reading-related news. Earlier today, speaking to the press, Brian McDermott gave his thoughts on a number of issues, such as his desire to see Chris Gunter given a new contract, and hope that Deniss Rakels would complete his move to Reading from Cracovia.

However, there's also been another positive development to come out of this morning, with McDermott confirming to Get Reading's Charles Watts that several players are set to return from injury. Centre back duo Paul McShane and Michael Hector, plus midfielder Stephen Quinn, should all be available for this weekend's fourth round cup tie against Walsall at the Madejski Stadium.

Before his injury, Paul McShane was an ever-present in the Reading first team - his 2006 league minutes this season make him the fifth highest in the squad in that category. However, he hasn't played since being withdrawn half an hour into the 1-0 win over Bristol City at the start of the month. Coincidentally, Michael Hector's 1535 league minutes put him one place behind McShane - with the Jamaican's last outing coming in a 2-1 loss to Brentford, when he was sent off for a second yellow card. McDermott will be pleased to be getting back two key parts of the squad.

It had been a stop-start season for Stephen Quinn even before his recent bout of injury. With 1020 minutes, Stephen Quinn comes in 16th - even lower than the oft-injured Anton Ferdinand.

The only negative to come out of Charles' injury report is that Garath McCleary won't be fit to face Walsall. The winger came off injured in last week's 5-2 win over Huddersfield, and was unable to get back in time to face Sheffield Wednesday.

All stats come from WhoScored.