41. Marcus: Mental strength is the key

Marcus Hahnemann believes that mental strength will be the key if Reading are to clinch promotion back to the Premier League this season.

42. Royals pair share spot-kick duty

Stephen Hunt and Kevin Doyle have agreed to share penalty duty this season.

43. Jem’s an instant hit

Reading 1 Aston Villa 1

Jem Karacan netted with his first touch of the game, but it wasn’t enough to earn Reading an eighth successive pre-season victory as Aston Villa came back to earn a draw.

44. Keane swoops for Royals ace

Sunderland are ready to battle it out with Aston Villa and Portsmouth in a bid to land Reading defender Nicky Shorey.

45. Rising star Jem can sparkle

Steve Coppell has tipped rising star Jem Karacan to play his part in Reading’s Coca-Cola Championship season.

46. Marcus aiming to save best until last

Marcus Hahnemann is desperate to beat Aston Villa tomorrow (3pm kick-off) so that Reading kick off the Coca-Cola Championship on the back of a perfect pre-season campaign.

47. Royals welcome back Siddy

Steve Coppell says Steve Sidwell deserves a good reception when he makes his return to Madejski Stadium with Aston Villa tomorrow (3pm kick off).

48. Bikey raised his game the most

If there was one player Reading could depend upon to handle the pressure in the heat of last season’s Premier League relegation battle it was Andre Bikey.

49. Hunt: 'I owe Royals'

Stephen Hunt admits he is desperate to return to the Premier League –  but insists he won’t seek a move because he owes Reading for making his career.

50. Coppell’s men united

Steve Coppell believes Reading’s three-match tour of Sweden has re-united the squad ahead of the new season.