Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell has no fears

19 Jan 2007 - 07:43:39

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Reading boss Steve Coppell insists he is unfazed by the prospect of handing injury-jinxed striker Dave Kitson only his second start of the season against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Kitson suffered knee ligament damage on the opening day of the season and was then struck down by appendicitis in an injury-ravaged opening five months of the season.

Irish duo Kevin Doyle and Shane Long have been ruled out of the visit of the Blades leaving Coppell to contemplate handing Kitson a start alongside Leroy Lita in attack.

"I see no reason why he can't start, he has been training for two-and-a-bit weeks and played 70 minutes the other day so I don't think it will be a problem for him," said the Royals boss.

"Just playing that friendly game gave him a boost and I have said all along that I am happy to have four forwards fighting for two positions.

"And even if two are injured I have the option with Seol Ki-Hyeon as well, he has played down the middle.

"We have depth in that position, perhaps more than any other."