Harte set for Royals outing

10 September 2010 09:30
Boss Brian McDermott could hand a debut to Ian Harte as Reading begin life without Gylfi Sigurdsson against Crystal Palace. Sigurdsson left the club for Hoffenheim on transfer deadline day for a club-record fee and McDermott used a fraction of that to recruit former Leeds defender Harte from Carlisle. Harte is likely to be on the bench while fellow deadline-day signing Zurab Khizanishvili could make a second debut after re-joining on loan from Blackburn. The Georgian was a huge hit during his time with McDermott's side last season and he could start at right-back if Andy Griffin is still out with his hamstring injury. Versatile midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson started at full-back in the win at Leicester last time out but came off with a hamstring injury and he is a doubt. Matt Mills should be fine after an ankle problem. Club captain Ivar Ingimarsson and Chris Armstrong played for the reserves this week after lengthy absences but are not ready for consideration while Jay Tabb (ankle) and Julian Kelly (hamstring) are out.

Source: PA