Reading FC

Jason Roberts will have another scan on his injured hamstring today to determine how quickly he will be able to play again this season.
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Jason Roberts in fight to save his Reading FC season

By Jonny Fordham
March 23, 2012

Jason Roberts will have another scan on his injured hamstring today to determine how quickly he will be able to play again this season.

The 34-year-old striker will miss Reading’s home game against Blackpool tomorrow (3pm kick-off) and is also a doubt to face West Ham United at Upton Park on March 31.

But Royals are hopeful that he will be back before their final league game at Birmingham on April 28.

Boss Brian McDermott said: “Jason will have a scan today and we will have to wait for the results. It doesn’t appear to be as bad as it could have been.” McDermott will bring Arsenal loanee Benik Afobe straight into his matchday squad against Ian Holloway’s play-off chasing Tangerines.

Although Reading lost 3-1 at Peterborough United on Tuesday, McDermott is unlikely to make many changes to the starting line-up. Long-term absentees Matthew Connolly and Joseph Mills remain sidelined by injuries.

With a crowd of more than 20,000 expected at Madejski Stadium for the sixth time this season, McDermott has reminded the supporters of the important role they have to play.

He said: “We really need the fans. I’ve said it many times, but we need them behind us. We’ve had a difficult three game spell away from home, but we’re second in the league. Everyone needs to be together as one.”

The ex-Royals side are playing a charity game at Kidmore End on Sunday. Mick Gooding, Ady Williams, Andy Gray and Barry Hunter are all due to play at The Hamlet in Gallowstree Common (2pm kick-off).

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Most recent user comments 5 of 5

I'm hearing that Church is going to start tomorrow, taking the Jason Roberts role........GULP!

Fishlips
23/03/2012 at 15:11

RFC4EVA, reading - I agree, or even taken off sooner, but easy to say with hindsight. If Brian did rest him and we still lost, people will be on his case.

I assume that Roberts asked to be replaced as soon as he felt the twinge?

Shame, hopefully a swift return......

Southbank Dave
23/03/2012 at 12:21

RFC4EVA - Totally agree, he shouldve come off against Barnsley when we were 2-3 nil up, instead of leaving him to play the full 90 (granted he did score) but the game was won. And again against P'boro he was left on and with all the travelling and sitting on a coach he really shouldve been rested!