Reading vs Barnsley - Paul McShane to miss out again when Reading host Barnsley

Posted Friday, February 10, 2017 by PA

Reading captain Paul McShane is unavailable for manager Jaap Stam as the Royals welcome Barnsley in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday.

The 31-year-old defender sustained a calf tear after the 2-1 win over Cardiff in January and the injury is expected to keep him out for another couple of games, longer than initially expected.

Deniss Rakels, who has been unavailable since the EFL Cup second-round game against MK Dons in August due to a fractured ankle, has been training with the first team this week but will not be involved against Barnsley.

Joey van den Berg (hamstring) remains on the sidelines.

Barnsley defender Andy Yiadom will return to contention following his return from African Nations Cup duty with Ghana.

But the Reds will be without midfielder Alex Mowatt, who serves the second game of a three-match ban, and defender Aidy White (pelvis).

Deadline-day signing Ryan Hedges is hoping to make his first start after stepping off the bench for his debut in last week's home draw against Preston.

Adam Hammill, George Moncur and Elliot Lee are among those pushing for recalls to the starting line-up as the Reds bid to keep in touch with the top six.