JAAP Stam believes his Reading FC side will have a few 'surprises' in store for Derby County when they clash at Pride Park (3pm ko).

Royals are hoping to bounce back from the 1-0 home defeat to QPR last week with a victory against Steve McClaren's Rams.

And manager Jaap Stam says he is working on a system to unsettle the home side.

Stam could hand a debut to club-record signing Tiago Ilori, while skipper Paul McShane is also available for selection after recovering from a wrist operation.

Reading will start the day in fourth place in the Championship with a six point lead over Derby in seventh plus one game in hand.

Here's what Royals' boss said ahead of tomorrow's trip to the east Midlands.

Stam on facing Derby:

“It will be a tough game, especially over there. Derby want to be back in the Premier League and they are trying again this season.

“They have a very big squad with a lot of quality players. It's going to be a great atmosphere but we're going there for a result.

“We're very confident in what we can do and what we can achieve.

“We've looked at them and how they like to play and we're working out how we can surprise them.”

Stam on the QPR defeat:

“I don't agree when people say it was our worst performance of the season.

“People think it was because we didn't score, but if the opposition play with five defenders and four midfield players it's very hard to get through them, even for the best teams in the world.

“People can criticise, but they need to look at themselves as well and what they produce.

“Our players are working very hard and they are doing their best. They did that against QPR but, we have to give QPR credit as well.”

Stam on Ilori making his debut against Derby following his £3m move from Liverpool on Tuesday.

“It took a bit of time before it could happen, but it's good to have him in the squad.

“We want quality in the squad so we can make choices and changes.

“He's comfortable on the ball, he's got pace, he's aggressive and he can defend big spaces.

“He's still young and he can learn a lot because he hasn't played a lot of games recently, but that's not a concern of mine. Roy Beerens hadn't played a lot last season either, neither had Liam Moore.

“It's not always about how many games they have played because they need to grow and develop, so it's not a problem for me.

“I saw him a while ago so we knew him already. When the opportunity arose to do something we took it.”

He added: “I don't know why it took so long [to sign him]. We spoke to him and other clubs spoke to him, but I don't know what was happening upstairs.

“They told me to wait and be patient and eventually they succeeded. You always want these things done quickly. We had the same thing with other players like Liam Moore, but we got it done in the end.

“He can be available for Saturday and Paul McShane is also back in the squad after his operation. He went to the doctor this week and everything looked good. He made himself available so we're very happy with that.”

Stam on Reading's promotion prospects:

“We've already had a very good season, but people always want more. That's how it goes in life, not only in football.

“I'm not saying that's it, now we are stopping. Our players are always eager to get more results.

“We know we need to improve but there are a lot of games to go and we are looking to do well and stay high up the table.

“Everyone was disappointed with the QPR result, but is shows we need to improve in certain areas and be decisive going forward and in our defending.

“But we're still on a learning curve here. We're fourth in the league, but we don't know everything.

"The players are still learning and they still need to recognise when to make a risky pass, when to go forward and when to be calm.”