Andre Bikey is determined to make his mark in the Championship and inspire Reading to their first away victory of the season at Watford tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

The powerful defender has only trained a handful of times with his team-mates, having been away on international duty with Cameroon for the Olympics and then World Cup qualifiers.

But he made his first appearance of the current campaign in midweek, scoring in Royals’ stunning 6-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Madejski Stadium.

And Bikey, who is expected to keep his place in the heart of the defence, is now hoping he and his team-mates can end  their dismal away form.

He told the Evening Post: “It is good to be back. It is a long time since I have played in England, but to score and win like we did on Tuesday was great.

“Personally I am happy with my performance because it’s not easy to come back after so long away, play and score. The win was good for the mentality of the team and I hope we can do something good tomorrow.”

Reading have failed to score a single goal against Watford in the past four meetings and Bikey added: “Ever since I have been here we have never beaten Watford.

“I remember losing 2-0 at home to them in our last meeting so they are a good team. It will be difficult, but I hope we can beat them.”

Bikey did not take part in Royals’ pre-season campaign due to his involvement in the Olympics and the defender admits his busy summer schedule may take its toll  later in the season.

“I played in the Olympics in China and also played in World Cup qualifiers so I played a minimum of 10 games, which isn’t easy, but I am a professional,” said Bikey.

“I am fit now and I am okay at the moment and my body can take it but I’m sure in the future my body will need a rest. When I feel it needs it I will speak to the manager.

But I feel good. I had never played in the Championship before Tuesday. It is quicker than the Premiership, which is more tactical.

“They think more, but in this division it is more direct. I need to be fit to play in this league. I need to be at the top of my game and do well every time.”

Ivar Ingimarsson has returned to training having missed Tuesday night’s match. He could replace Alex Pearce at the back.

Royals are still without Marek Matejovsky (ankle), Graeme Murty (calf) and Michael Duberry (calf).

How will it go?

Reading once again looked superb at home, but one question still remains – can they do produce that kind of display on their travels?

The thumping win over Sheffield Wednesday will have done wonders for confidence, but they will not find things as easy tomorrow.

Watford may have lost at home in midweek, but they are always hard to beat and Reading are just not convincing away from Madejski Stadium. I am going for a 1-1 draw.

Nick Ive