`I won't forget this one,' says Mills.

Anthony Smith • Published 6 Mar 2010 10:00 0 Comments

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MATT Mills hopes he remembers more about tomorrow's mouthwatering FA Cup quarter final against Aston Villa than the previous round (1.45pm ko, live ITV1).

The 23-year-old centre-back suffered concussion in last week's fifth round replay against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns which Reading won 3-2 in extra time.

The £2 million summer signing still through the was playing for previous club Doncaster Rovers and forgot he was dating former Hollyoaks actress Emma Rigby.

But having been forced to miss the 5-0 league hammering of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, Mills is now set to reclaim his place for the Villa tie instead of Zurab Khizanishvili who is cup tied.

"The last thing I remember was being in the hotel before the West Brom game" explained Mills. "I don't remember any part of the game at all.

"I took a blow to the head and by the time I got back to the changing room I thought I still played for Doncaster.

"I didn't know I was going out with my girlfriend, all sorts of stuff. It was very, very scary.

"But I've watched the West Brom game back since though and thought I did okay.

"Hopefully I should come back into the side on Sunday, it's a massive game. The confidence we've got at the moment and the way we're playing we feel like we can beat anybody."

Villa are unlikely to show Reading much sympathy on the weekend, but Mills had their skipper Richard Dunne to thank for coming to his rescue last week.

The pair were once at Manchester City together and Mills explained: "I went to hospital for scans and they let me out at 4am.

"So I'd like to say a big thanks to Richard for putting me up. Villa played the same night and me knocking on his door at that time wasn't pleasant, but he's a top man."

Villa will be feeling the most pressure with Reading major underdogs going into the clash.

Around 4,000 Villa fans will make the trip for what should be a sell-out, with a place at Wembley up for grabs in the semi finals.

But Mills insists Reading have faced bigger challenges already this season - and overcome them.

"I think the FA Cup is massive," he declared. "In terms of big games I've played in the play-offs with Doncaster at Wembley and also huge games with Reading this season which if we hadn't won would have left us six or seven points adrift.

"So we go into this one relaxed, confident and with no fear and really go and enjoy it.

"We're the underdogs and I'm sure the crowd will be fully behind us and everyone wanting us to win. A cup quarter-final is a one-off and anything can happen."

Royals boss McDermott will also welcome three more players back into his squad in the form of midfield duo Brynjar Gunnarsson and Kalifa Cisse plus striker Shane Long.

Long has now served his four-match suspension and was away with the republic of Ireland squad this week for their 2-0 defeat by Brazil at Arsenal, though he did not play.

However, Gylfi Sigurdsson must pass a fitness test on his ankle if he is to continue his amazing record in scoring in every round so far.

Andy Griffin has also strained his hamstring and will be assessed over the weekend, while Jobi McAnuff serves the second of his there-game ban.

His suspension ends after Reading's Championship game against Derby County at Madejski Stadium next Wednesday night (8pm ko).

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