Scunthorpe v Reading preview

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Scunthorpe boss Alan Knill is boosted by the return of defender Paul Reid for the home clash with high-flying Reading.

Reid served a one-match ban on Saturday when the Iron thumped leaders QPR 4-1 at Glanford Park and Knill has no new injury or suspension concerns.

Winger Garry Thompson has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing groin surgery and defender Cliff Byrne remains sidelined with a calf injury.

However, on-loan Leeds striker Ramon Nunez is set to shake off a slight hamstring strain and fellow frontman Bobby Grant also looks certain to recover from a knock and be passed fit.

On-loan Reading full-back Marcus Williams is fit again after a back injury but he is not eligible to face his parent club.

Simon Church is pushing for a start when the Royals continue their promotion charge at .

Wales striker Church came off the bench to claim the last-minute winner as the Royals made it six league wins in a row with a 4-3 victory at Nottingham Forest at the weekend and hopes to be handed a chance to partner Shane Long at Glanford Park.

Manager Brian McDermott played a 4-4-2 formation at the City Ground and could do the same against Alan Knill’s side, who shocked QPR at the weekend.

Goalkeeper Adam Federici was on the bench after nine games out with a knee injury and will be again but captain Matt Mills (groin) and forward Noel Hunt (foot) are not available.

Defender Alex Pearce is fit after a thigh injury as the Royals look to go level on points with Swansea and Cardiff.