READING FC will travel to Championship rivals Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup third round.

The tie at Amex Stadium will take place in the week commencing Monday, September 19.

The two sides met in the league only last Saturday, with Reading securing a 2-2 home draw thanks to Paul McShane's equaliser.

Royals needed penalties to see off League One MK Dons in a second-round clash at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night after the sides were locked at 2-2 after 120 minutes.

But the victory came at a cost after Deniss Rakels sustained a suspected fractured ankle and promising midfielder, Liam Kelly, suffered a nasty head wound and possible concussion.

Earlier, Jaap Stam's men had eased to a 2-0 victory against League Two opponents Plymouth Argyle in the first round of the EFL Cup.

All seven Premier League clubs in European competitions enter the draw at the third round stage.

Brighton have reached the third round with a 4-2 win against Colchester United and 4-0 victory against Oxford United.

Taking on Chris Hughton's Seagulls on the road was not exactly the tie Stam was hoping for, but the ex-Manchester United and Netherlands defender is determined to go as far as he can in the competition.

“It would be nice to play Manchester United and I'd rather play them over here,” said the 44-year-old Dutchman.

“But it doesn't matter who we play, there is never an easy game in Englnd. Whether you play lower league teams or Premier League teams, it is always going to be hard.

“You need to be focussed every minute of every game because the team you are playing wants to beat you as well.

“We'll do everything in our power to get to the next stage of the competition and I'm looking forward to it.”

Reading travel to Cardiff City in the Championship this Saturday (3pm ko).