STEVEN Reid revealed Reading FC skipper Paul McShane is 'utterly devastated' to be missing out on tonight's clash against Fulham after he received a red card at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Royals' captain was given his marching orders with 79 minutes on the clock for a crunching tackle on Fulham's Kevin McDonald.

The Republic of Ireland international protested his innocence after the match, insisting he was pulled back by Cottagers' Neeskens Kebano, forcing his foot higher than anticipated.

Reading Chronicle:

But he caught McDonald on the knee none-the-less, and the captain will miss out tonight's match and potentially the play-off final should Royals progress.

And coach Reid admitted McShane is devastated to be missing out.

He told TalkSport: "Macca’s been down in the dumps a little bit.

"He’s had a fantastic season and probably one of the best of his career and led by example all year so he’s utterly devastated he’s going to be missing the second leg and potentially the final.

"But these things happen, it might be an opportunity for someone to come in and make a name for themselves one of the biggest stages."