COPPELL KEEPS FAITH IN YOUTH

Reading boss Steve Coppell has kept his faith in Reading's youngster's by taking 5 of the academy kids on this week's pre season tour trip to Sweden, a sight that will see many Royals supporters delighted.

Simon Cox is one of those who joins the 20 man squad despite not featuring in the pre season programme yet.

The other youngster's joining Cox are local lad Simieon Howell, Irish left winger Johnny Hayes, Centre half's Johnny Mullins and Reading's youngest ever first team player Peter Castle.

However striker Shaun Goater will not make the trip after sustaining a calf injury. The "Goat" was forced off in last week's pre season victory over Staines Town and as a result he'll stay back in the county for further treatment.

Nicky Shorey and Steve Sidwell both fly out despite Shorey not featuring this season yet through a knee injury while Sidwell has missed the last 2 friendly games. Both have been linked with moves away from the Madejski Stadium over the past couple of weeks.

Marcus Hahenmann's on going participation in the Gold Cup tournament with the USA means on-loan Arsenal Graham Stack will be the only goalkeeper out in Sweden. Stack is fine to leave the country despite being under police investigation.

The playing squad in full;

Graham Stack (GK), Graeme Murty (Captain), Nicky Shorey, Ivar Ingimarsson, Ibrahima Sonko, Peter Castle, Johnny Mullins, Stephen Hunt, James Harper, Simieon Howell, Steve Sidwell (Vice Captain), Simon Cox, Andy Hughes, Bobby Convey, Glen Little, Johnny Hayes, Dean Morgan, Dave Kitson, Leroy Lita and Kevin Doyle.

The management squad in full;

Steve Coppell, Kevin Dillon, Wally Downes, Brian McDermott, Jon Fearn, Jon Goodman, Sal Bibbo, Ron Grant.

Fixture List

Eneryda IF Vs Reading (Thursday, 21st July 19:00pm)

Holmalunds IF Vs Reading (Saturday, 23rd July 16:00pm)

Ljungfkile SK Vs Reading (Tuesday, 26th July 19:00pm)

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