Forest manager Colin Calderwood has hailed Reading as “leading lights” in the Championship.

He said: “Reading are a template for every team in the division. They are a team who won promotion from the Championship and progressed through the leagues by recruiting good players in the Championship.

“They are the leading lights in the division for me, in terms of the way we want to take this club forwards.”

Calderwood has selection problems going into Sunday’s televised game. And new £2.65m signing Robert Earnshaw looks likely to be his only fit striker.

Fellow newboy Andy Cole is doubtful with a calf injury and former Reading striker Nathan Tyson (hamstring) will also be missing.

Winger Garath McCleary is ruled out with a thigh strain, while summer arrivals Joe Garner (knee) and Paul Anderson (thigh) are also sidelined.

Royals will be without Brynjar Gunnarson (knee) and skipper Graeme Murty (calf).

Marek Matejovsky is expected to start after making a full recovery from the ankle injury he sustained at Euro 2008.