McDermott talks former defenders and Ipswich

Reading manager Brian McDermott has been talking about the prospect of facing Paul Jewell's Ipswich again and a few familiar faces when the Royals take on the Tractor Boys tomorrow afternoon.

The Royals faced Ipswich just over two months ago, when from 2-1 down with minutes left, goals from Alex Pearce and Noel Hunt secured a fantastic comeback victory for Brian McDermott's side.

The 50-year told the official RFC site: ''I remember Pearcey shouting across at 2-1 and two minutes to go if we should throw Kaspars up front and I said 'no there's plenty of time!' I don't know if I meant it but it definitely felt like that.'

The Ipswich game could also see a very familiar pairing at the Madejski Stadium, with the Championship winning defensive partnership of Ivar Ingimarsson and Ibrahima Sonko returning, but in the colours of Ipswich Town.

McDermott added: 'In Ibrahima Sonko and Ivar Ingimarsson they've also got two of our former players coming back and it'll be good to see them. They're on a good run, it's big club with a good following and an experienced manager.'

Tomorrows game kicks off at the usual time of 3.00 PM. Hal Robson-Kanu should return from injury while Manset and Gunnarsson are still out. Ipswich will be without key player Keith Andrews who picked up a hamstring problem against Leicester.

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