Palace v Reading. Early team news

Last updated : 18 February 2010 By Palace Reporter

 

Left-back Lee Hills, winger Kieron Cadogan and striker Stern John all missed Sunday's FA Cup tie against Aston Villa due to having played in the competition for other clubs this season.

However, all three men now come into contention to face the Royals while defender Matt Lawrence will also hope to play some part.

The 35-year-old centre-back has been struggling with a hamstring strain and was an unused substitute against Villa.

He will be assessed ahead of Reading's visit as the Eagles bid to ease their relegation worries following their 10-point deduction for entering administration.

Reading will be without striker Shane Long, who begins a four-match ban after he was shown a straight red card during their FA Cup clash with West Brom on Saturday for a late challenge on Abdoulaye Meite.

However, boss Brian McDermott will be able to call upon Zurab Khizanishvili once again after he was cup-tied for the clash against the Baggies.

Simon Church is in the frame to start up front after he came off the bench to score at the weekend, but Gylfi Sigurdsson is a doubt with a foot injury.

Defender Julian Kelly has joined League One side Wycombe on loan in order to regain full match fitness following a shoulder injury so is absent.

Marek Matejovsky (abdomen) and Noel Hunt (knee) remain sidelined.

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