Norwich City vs Reading preview - Johnson banned for Canaries

Posted Friday, November 28, 2014 by PA

Bradley Johnson will miss Norwich's Sky Bet Championship encounter with Reading at Carrow Road through suspension.

The midfielder was sent off for a second caution in the final minute of the 3-3 draw at home to Brighton last Saturday.

Gary O'Neil is a strong contender to replace Johnson having made a late substitute appearance against the Seagulls while fellow midfielder Alex Tettey (knee) is a slight worry.

Striker Gary Hooper could get his first league start this season after coming off the bench to grab a late equaliser against Albion.

Reading will be without Alex Pearce after the FA rejected an appeal against the red card he was shown last Friday.

The defender was sent off during the 2-1 defeat at Cardiff and serves a one-match ban, so Anton Ferdinand is poised to step in after recovering from a calf problem.

Full-back Shaun Cummings is also in contention after a knee injury while winger Garath McCleary should be involved again after making his first appearance of the season in Wales following back surgery.

Midfielders Hope Akpan (shoulder), Danny Guthrie (calf) and Jem Karacan (knee) remain sidelined for the Royals, who are without a win in their last seven away matches.