Ipswich vs Reading - Ipswich waiting on fitness of Tom Lawrence

Posted Thursday, February 02, 2017 by PA

Ipswich hope leading scorer Tom Lawrence can shake off an ankle problem to be fit to face Reading.

The forward was substituted at half-time during Saturday's game with Derby but his injury is not as bad as first feared.

Reading striker Dominic Samuel is not eligible to face his parent club after joining on loan, but midfielder Emyr Huw, signed from Cardiff until the end of the season, should be in the squad while forward David McGoldrick is pressing for a start after his hamstring injury.

Former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is yet to play since arriving on a short-term deal, but winger Danny Rowe, who recently signed from Macclesfield, will have to continue to wait for his debut because of a hip problem.

Reading's three deadline-day signings are all hoping to make their debuts at Portman Road.

Lewis Grabban, Reece Oxford and Jordon Mutch joined Reading on loan from Bournemouth, West Ham and Crystal Palace respectively and are expected to be involved.

Royals manager Jaap Stam is hopeful that both Paul McShane, who has been out with a calf injury, and Yann Kermorgant will be available on Saturday.

Joey van den Berg is unavailable after picking up a grade two hamstring tear and will be out of action for around four weeks.