CALLUM Harriott says he is ready to answer Jaap Stam’s call if named in the Reading FC starting XI to face Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday (3pm ko).

With Danny Williams starting a three-match ban, Stam will be forced to shuffle his squad for the clash against the Owls at Madejski Stadium.

Stam could bring in youngster Liam Kelly as a like-for-like replacement, but it is believed the Dutchman may call upon winger Harriott instead and push Garath McCleary into a more central position.

Harriott, who has made just three starts since joining from Charlton Athletic in the summer, said: “I don’t know if I will play this Saturday, I guess that’s up to the manager, it’s his decision.

“But I know we have players who are comfortable in that position and can do the same job.

“I’m ready to play, but the manager picks the team depending on how he wants to approach the game. I will respect his decision whatever it is and keep working hard. I’m confident my chance will eventually come.”

Harriott has started the majority of the season on the bench and the 22-year-old was a late substitute on Saturday as Royals crashed 5-0 at Fulham.

And he offered no excuses for the team’s poor showing at Craven Cottage.

“It was obviously disappointing to end our run in the way we did,” he declared. “We know what went wrong and what we didn’t manage to do in the game.

“You need to start away games on the front foot and be more ready for it than we were. We know we didn’t do that well and we got punished. We need to correct our mistakes and win this Saturday.

“These things happen. We’ve lost, it’s behind us now and there is no point reflecting on that too much. It’s important to look forward, to train hard and push for that next win.”

Liam Moore will also return at centre-back tomorrow after missing the humbling at Fulham through suspension.

Third-placed Reading are three positions higher than the Owls and also face a tough trip to fourth-placed Leeds United next Tuesday night (7.45pm).