GARATH McCleary could be back in contention for a Reading FC return after receiving the all-clear from medical staff.

The winger underwent back surgery in the summer and has not played for the Royals since the final day of last season.

However, the 27-year-old was given the thumbs up this week after a scan revealed the injury has healed up nicely.

McCleary can now resume full training with the first-team squad, and a delighted manager Nigel Adkins said:

“Garath’s got the all clear and it’s great news,” manager Nigel Adkins said after our 3-0 win over Rotherham.

“He’s another one like Danny Williams who hadn’t played since last season, so he can step it up now with the confidence that he should be free of injury.

“All being well, he should be able to get himself involved from here on in.

“He needs more game time but we can start to consider him.”

However, Royals defender Anton Ferdinand suffered a setback this week when he picked up a calf strain on his debut in the 3-0 win against Rotherham United on Tuesday night.

It was the 29-year-old’s first outing in the Reading shirt after joining the club as a free agent over the summer.

Reading will go searching for a third successive home win this Saturday when they host Charlton Athletic at Madejski Stadium (3pm ko).

Follow the match live with www.readingchronicle.co.uk