Reading boss Brian McDermott is boosted by the return of defender Zurab Khizanishvili for the home clash with Derby on Wednesday.

The on-loan Georgia international missed Sunday's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Aston Villa as he was cup-tied after playing for Blackburn against Villa in the third round of the competition.

Khizanishvili will come into contention for a starting role but midfielder Jem Karacan remains absent with a hand injury.

Kalifa Cisse (dead leg) may be back to bolster the Royals' midfield but Noel Hunt and Chris Armstrong remain long-term injury absentees.

McDermott's men picked up no new injuries against Villa and the Reading boss insists his players can take heart from their spirited display at the weekend.

Villa won 4-2, but McDermott said: "We gave them as tough a game as they'll have all season."

Kick-off 8pm.