Boss focused on Stoke selection

Brian McDermott claims he has already settled on the team he wants to pick for Reading's Premier League opener against Stoke City.

The Royals boss has been assessing his squad closely in training and during their pre-season matches and has now virtually finalised the line-up he plans to field when Tony Pulis' men make the trip to Madejski Stadium on August 18th.
However, one or two places could still be up for grabs with a standout performance at home to Crystal Palace in Reading's final warm-up fixture on Saturday.
McDermott felt the second half display against Brighton in midweek was their best so far during the pre-season and he will be looking for a continuation of that for the visit of the Eagles.
He told getreading: "Training has been excellent, but out of all the games that we had - the other night (in a 1-1 draw at Brighton) was when I felt happier about getting to where we need to get to.
"I've got it in my mind what the starting eleven will be.
"I felt there was a sense of apprehension after the Bournemouth game last Saturday of what the team will be and that has been put to bed.
"I told the players to let me sign the team sheet and we will have 37 games to go after that.
"We will need everybody - each and every player. I'm looking forward to the first game against Stoke now."
The Royals record hasn't been great in the lead up to the new season with only one win having been secured from six games, but McDermott is not unduly concerned as they get ready to return to the big-time for the first time in four years.