TWO Reading FC fixtures for the upcoming Sky Bet Championship season have been rescheduled.

Royals were set to host Harry Redknapp's Birmingham City on New Year's Day.

But the match at Madejski Stadium has been put back a day to ease festive fixture congestion and will now take place on Tuesday, January 2 (8pm ko).

Secondly, Reading's home fixture against QPR over the Easter period has been brought forward by a day.

Jaap Stam's men were set to host the hoops derby on Saturday, March 31 with a 3pm kick off.

But the clash has been brought forward to Friday, March 30 with an evening kick off of 5.30pm.

The fixture changes have been given approval by the English Football League.

Reading launch the new campaign with a short trip to QPR on Saturday, August 5 (3pm ko).

Stam's first-team returned for pre-season training at Hogwood Park yesterday after their summer break.

Royals also released more details of their schedule over the coming weeks including a friendly against Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem at Wycombe's Adams Park.

Click here to view the Reading FC 2017/18 fixture list in full.