Reading vs Derby County - Reading manager Jaap Stam set to welcome back Garath McCleary for Derby clash

Posted Thursday, September 29, 2016 by PA

Reading manager Jaap Stam is expected to recall Garath McCleary to the starting XI for their Sky Bet Championship game against Derby on Saturday.

The winger was sent off during the 2-1 defeat to Barnsley but is back in contention after sitting out his three-match ban.

The Royals boss is expected to make a number of changes after their 4-1 defeat to Brentford on Tuesday but has no new injury or suspension worries for the match as they look to climb up the table.

Tyler Blackett will serve out his last match on the sidelines after he received a red card against Brighton.

Chris Powell will remain in charge of Derby for a second match following the suspension of manager Nigel Pearson this week.

Powell oversaw Tuesday night's 2-0 win at Cardiff and it looks like he will have a similar squad for the trip to the Madejski Stadium.

Centre-half Jason Shackell (calf), left-back Marcus Olsson and midfielder Craig Bryson (groin) were all absent in the Welsh capital but Olsson could return to contention now that he is nearer match fitness.

Shackell and Bryson will be assessed as Derby go in search of successive Championship victories for the first time since April.