Sharp set for Royals bow
Reading have added striker Billy Sharp to their squad for the visit of Birmingham after he joined on loan from Southampton.
Left-back Wayne Bridge should return after a knee injury while wingers Jobi McAnuff (ankle) and Royston Drenthe and midfielder Danny Williams (both foot) will be checked over after missing last weekend's win at Derby.
Danny Guthrie will play on despite a shoulder problem but fellow midfielder Jem Karacan faces a long spell out with a knee injury.
Mikele Leigertwood (ankle) and Jason Roberts (hip) are on the mend after long-term injuries but are not ready to return.
Birmingham have received several selection boosts.
Towering striker Nikola Zigic returns to contention having not featured at all this season due to a back injury, while midfielder Wade Elliott is also back in the fold after missing Tuesday's impressive 3-1 Capital One Cup victory over Swansea due to a knock.
Blues are further boosted by the returns of on-loan duo Jesse Lingard and Kyle Bartley, who were both ineligible to feature in midweek, as well as goalkeeper Darren Randolph and defender David Murphy, who were both rested against the Swans.
However, Akwasi Asante, Lee Novak and Hayden Mullins continue to miss out due to minor injuries.
Source: PA
Source: PA