Glen Little could face Reading’s relegation rivals Fulham on Saturday after his long-awaited first-team comeback was put on hold at the weekend.

Little has spent the season recovering from a serious Achilles injury and last made a Premier League appearance in Royals’ 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur a year ago.

But he travelled with the squad to Newcastle this weekend, and took part in the pre-match warm-up.

However, Steve Coppell considered the Royals winger to be too short of match practice, and handed John Oster his ninth start in 10 games instead.

But Coppell has hinted that Little could be involved on Saturday if he comes through training unscathed.

“If he has a good week he might play a part, it’s asking a lot though,” said Royals’ boss.

Little’s skill and creativity has been sorely missed this season.

Even when he isn’t 100-per-cent fit, he can still be a handful for most Premier League defences.

And Coppell said: “He’s a player that doesn’t really depend on his pace and fitness.

“His value to the team is his ability on the ball.

“He created something like 20 goals the season we went up, so of course we were going to miss him.”