Duo set for Royals return

Shane Long and Chris Armstrong are back in contention for a place in the Reading squad after coming through reserve duty unscathed.

Striker Long missed out on the victory over Blackpool last weekend with an ankle injury, while defender Armstrong is yet to make a league appearance all season after undergoing knee surgery during the summer.

However, both completed a full 90 minutes in a reserve fixture against Bristol Rovers in midweek and the pair are now back in contention for the Royals' visit to Pride Park.

Reading boss Brendan Rodgers should have Simon Church available despite the striker suffering a hip-injury last week, although Polish hitman Grzegorz Rasiak may keep him out of the team after the striker scored the goal that gave the Royals their first home win since January last weekend.

A knee problem will keep Noel Hunt out of the Reading side as the Royals face fellow strugglers Derby County.