Long ready for Royals

Striker Shane Long has been passed fit ahead of Reading’s trip to Blackburn after missing the Republic of Ireland’s midweek international with Cyprus because of a groin problem.

The Royals will be without a number of experienced campaigners however, with Bobby Convey (thigh), John Oster (ankle), Kalifa Cisse (knee) and Glen Little (Achilles) all sidelined.