Reading FC

Adrian Mariappa could find his way into the Reading FC starting line-up against QPR tonight
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Reading FC will ring the changes against QPR

By Jonny Fordham
September 26, 2012

Brian McDermott will make changes in a bid to help Reading rediscover their form at Queens Park Rangers tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

Royals’ boss intends to use his side’s Capital One Cup third-round tie at Loftus Road as a means to get back to basics.

McDermott’s men have been a shadow of the team that won the Championship last season.

And Reading are hoping the return of star winger Jimmy Kebe can provide the catalyst to inject much-needed flair and creativity in a side that has looked short of confidence and struggled in front of goal so far this season.

McDermott said: “After the last two games we need to get our identity back and discover what we’re about as a team.

“That’s really important to us and is what we will be aiming to do. We will simplify things and get back to what we are about – that starts tonight.”

Players have been warned that nobody’s place is safe.

Adrian Mariappa, a £2.5million summer signing from Watford has had to be content with a place on the bench until now. But McDermott could look to the centre-back to shore up a defence that has conceded 11 goals in five games.

International strikers Noel Hunt and Simon Church could also be in contention to face Mark Hughes’ Rangers.

McDermott added: “There will be changes and there are players that need to play.

“There are shirts up for grabs here and I’ve told everyone in the squad that they can play in this division.

“I would like to think that no-one regards themselves as a fringe player. Players want to get into the side, do well and keep the shirt.”

The League Cup can act as a convenient tool for Royals as they look to refine their play ahead of their Premier League game against Newcastle United at Madejski Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Reading have been given a stern lesson in the trials and tribulations of top-flight football and McDermott is hoping his players can learn quickly.

He added: “It’s been a steep learning curve for everyone. We know the level of opposition and no one needs to remind us.”

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Most recent user comments 7 of 7

I understand swapping the team about for a cup game ordinarily but if the purpose of this game (as far as RFC are concerned) is to galvanise the first team and get them playing better before saturday what is the point of bringing somebody like Church in?

Having said that I'm looking forward to seeing Mariappa finally getting some game time. I find it strange has hasnt been used considering how much he cost us.

Fishlips
28/09/2012 at 10:51

Good result tonight - come on you RRRrrrrrrzzzzz!!!!

Southbank Dave
26/09/2012 at 15:14

Hoooooooooof.

Back to basics!

come on lads
26/09/2012 at 13:48

bit of belief wouldnt go a miss... McDermott knows what he is doing, in time it will come good! Come on URZZZZ

Norfolk 'N' Chance, Reading
26/09/2012 at 13:23

It just shows that RFC have no strength in depth or no strength at all. Hopefully QPR will play their reserves and we go out on penalties. Emmm can't wait!

Sir Dodger Royal, Cyberspace just over the Madhouse
26/09/2012 at 13:21

Hmm with church in the side i can not see us hitting the target much. Hopes are not high for this one..

poru, Bournemouth
26/09/2012 at 12:49

International strikers Noel Hunt and Simon Church could also be in contention to face Mark Hughes’ Rangers - I bet the QPR back line are bricking it! (Sorry couldnt resist!)