Kelly in line for Royals bow

Right-back Stephen Kelly looks set to make his Reading debut in tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League game at Newcastle.

Midfielder Hope Akpan could also start his first match for the Royals following his move from Crawley.

Striker Jason Roberts (hip) and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (shoulder) are out but midfielder Mikele Leigertwood is available after recovering from an unspecified knock.

Provisional squad: Federici, Ugwu, Taylor, Gunter, Kelly, Cummings, Pearce, Morrison, Mariappa, Shorey, Harte, McAnuff, Carrico, Akpan, Tabb, Karacan, Kebe, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Leigertwood, Le Fondre, Hunt, Pogrebnyak.