Brian Howard is desperate to exorcise some demons when Reading travel to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Royals lost 4-1 at Loftus Road in October last year, prompting scores of fans to call for then manager Brendan Rodgers’ head.

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Howard’s first goal for the club was over-shadowed by the nightmare performance – and Rodgers lasted just eight more games before he was sacked.

“There’s a few of us who played in that game last year that need to put it to bed now,” revealed the 27-year-old midfielder.

“For anyone involved in the club – that game at QPR was a low moment.

“We beat them 1-0 at our place, but I think we have to go there and put a few ghosts to bed.

“You get over it, but deep down we still think we owe them one and that will give us the extra incentive.

“And it would be great to go back and break my duck there this season on Saturday.”

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Boss Brian McDermott could still be without Jimmy Kebe for the clash against Neil Warnock’s second-placed side as the star winger is battling to recover from a knee injury.

Royals have hit the back of the net eight times in their last two Championship outings and will again need to be on top of their game if they are to become the first side to beat Rangers in the league this season.

Having fought back from 3-1 down to overcome Doncaster Rovers 4-3 last Saturday, McDermott’s men will feel they have what it takes to become only the second side to score at Loftus Road in the league this season.

“All the lads are looking forward to the game on the back of two good results, and there are still another 30-odd games to go,” explained Howard.

“Their manager Neil Warnock has done a good job under pressure and has got the balance right there.

“They can go away and grind out 1-0 wins, but they haven’t won in four and will be under pressure to get a result. Hopefully we can go there and be party-poopers.”

And for Howard it also gives him the chance to pit his wits against his former Sheffield United team-mate Paddy Kenny.

The Royals midfielder added: “My pal Paddy is in goal for them and it would be nice to stick one past him.

“I’ve got him on the Blackberry and we have a chat every now and again. He’s a great character, but it will be great to stick one past him and get the three points.”

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