Reading vs Middlesbrough - Paul McShane and John Swift back for Reading

Posted Friday, October 27, 2017 by PA

Paul McShane and John Swift will be available for Reading after hamstring problems for Saturday's Championship clash with Middlesbrough at the Madejski Stadium.

Striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson will miss out however, still dogged by a calf problem.

Reading boss Jaap Stam feels Saturday's clash will come too soon for long-term absentee Yann Kermorgant, despite the forward closing in on a return.

Kermorgant continues to fight for full fitness after surgery on a hip and groin issue in pre-season.

Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk is likely to revert to his strongest line-up after making 10 changes for the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Premier League Bournemouth.

Central defender Ben Gibson is among those who will hope for a swift return, in his case for the first time since signing a new five-year contract at the Riverside Stadium.

Defender Ryan Shotton and midfielder Marvin Johnson were cup-tied at the Vitality Stadium and are available once again, although neither has featured since the 2-2 draw with Brentford on September 30, Shotton's only appearance for the club to date.

Boro are without a win in five league games and have taken just three of the last 15 points on offer to slip to 13th place in the table.