The Royals striker was an unused substitute as Reading sought a late equaliser at Bolton in midweek - and he has started just one game since arriving at the club on transfer deadline day.

Concerns were raised about his fitness before he arrived but Yakubu says he is ready to start at Valley Parade if Steve Clarke opts to use him.

The 32-year-old said: “I’m 100% fit and whenever the manager thinks I’m ready, I will be. Every player wants to play but you have to give credit to the guys who have been playing.

It’s not easy but I’m ready to give it my best. If I get my chance then I will take it, I always believe in myself so if I get my chances then I will take them.” Yakubu may have only been at the club for a month but he is one of the most experienced players in the squad, earning praise from Clarke recently for his role in encouraging and helping teammates before games.

His only Reading goal so far ensured progression to the quarter-final and he could move a step closer to cementing his reputation with Reading fans by firing them to their first FA Cup semi-final in 88 years on Saturday.

The ex-Everton, Middlesbrough and Blackburn striker has enjoyed a wealth of success in the game but admitted it would be a dream come true to play at Wembley for him and his fellow players.

“It’s just one game and then we’re there,” said Yakubu, who missed out through injury when Everton made it to the final in 2009. “It’s a dream for the players and it’s great for the fans.

“Every player wants to play at Wembley. It’s not going to be easy but it’d be a great feeling to be there.

“Bradford are a really good team, they fight for each other and make it difficult for any team that plays there. We’re not getting carried away, it’ll be difficult but as players we’re going to stick together and give everything.

“I saw their win over Chelsea, they played a good game and it wasn’t a freak result where they were lucky, they deserved to win.”