Reading forward Shane Long is expected to return to the starting line-up following a thigh injury, so Dave Kitson is likely to be given a rest on the bench.

Striker Shane Long faces a late fitness test on a thigh problem ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Birmingham, with a similar problem set to delay the comeback of fellow forward Dave Kitson.

Reading are set to welcome defender Sam Sodje back from knee surgery for tomorrow’s Carling Cup clash at Liverpool.

JULIAN GRAY headed Birmingham into the fifth round of the FA Cup after Steve Bruce’s side took advantage of the fact that promotion-chasing Reading was resting most of its first-team players.