Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell relief at Royals win

10 Dec 2008 - 10:33:28

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Reading manager Steve Coppell admitted he was relieved to pick up the points from Tuesday's 1-0 win over ten-man Blackpool.

Ivar Ingimarsson's first-half strike proved decisive at the Madejski Stadium despite the 33rd minute dismissal of Seasiders midfielder Lee Hendrie.

Royals midfielder Stephen Hunt saw an injury-time penalty saved by Paul Rachubka.

"We scored and then there was the sending-off and, as we ourselves have found in recent weeks, the mentality changes with ten men," said Coppell.

"We gave away too many silly fouls, but we did enough in the end and I am very pleased to get the three points."

Meanwhile, Coppell is considering recalling goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen from his loan spell at Brentford after regular number one Marcus Hahnemann limped out of the game in the second half.

"Marcus has a calf problem. As he stepped back to kick the ball he felt something. He has a fairly substantial calf so it must be something fairly serious," confirmed Coppell.

"I would say that he'll be out for a few weeks at least but (Adam) Federici has been waiting patiently and now it's his chance.

"We'll see what Marcus' condition is and if necessary then we'll have to bring Mikkel back.

"I'll make Brentford aware of the situation, but we can't weaken ourselves just to help someone out."