Supermac relishing Doyle return

Anthony Smith • Published 23 Jul 2010 12:00 0 Comments

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BRIAN McDermott is raving about the massive strides his Reading squad has made during pre-season ahead of a busy week in their preparations.

McDermott's squad jetted back from their 10-day tour to Slovenia on Wednesday and will now face Wycombe Wanderers and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the coming days.

Royals travel to Wycombe's Adams Park tomorrow (3pm) where McDermott is likely to give most of his players a run-out.

Then on Tuesday night Reading supporters could catch an early glimpse of McDermott's strongest XI when they tackle Premier League Wolves at the Madejski Stadium (8pm ko).

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, McDermott stated: "I'm so pleased with the way our schedule has gone so far. Slovenia was an excellent bonding exercise, you can't manufacture that.

"These players really are a close knit group and I've seen that developing since Christmas. It was a great trip all-round. We deliberately arranged games against quality teams and every match was tough and physical which is how we wanted it.

"But the best thing to come out of it was the camaraderie and spirit that has built up between the boys and all the staff.

"There wasn't one problem all trip and nine days is quite a long time to spend together during pre-season.

"But everything about it was first class. Training was excellent and conducted at a really high tempo and we certainly got a lot of quality work done."

Tuesday's clash against Wolves will be a special night for fans eagerly awaiting the return of ex-Royals stars Marcus Hahnemann and Kevin Doyle.

The pair left Reading last summer with Doyle making a club record £6.5 million switch and Hahnemann moving on a free transfer.

They became key players for the Midlands' club as they successfully retained their top-flight status.

They have since been joined by another former Royal Stephen Hunt, but the Irish international is injured and will not feature.

Tuesday may also give supporters a taste of what McDermott's team might look like when Reading host Scunthorpe United in the first game of the Championship season on August 7.

"Now we are back in England we will look forward to Wycombe when we hope to see a lot of our fans," added Royals' boss, left.

"Then on Tuesday it's Wolves which will be a great occasion for everyone. I spoke with Kevin Doyle this week and he's really looking forward to coming back and seeing some familiar faces.

"Marcus Hahnemann should also be there so it will be a great occasion for everyone. They certainly warrant a fantastic reception from Reading fans and I'm sure they will get it."

Reading played three friendlies on tour, winning twice and losing their last game on Tuesday 1-0 to Slovenian top-flight side NK Celje.

However, McDermott insists spirits remain high and that all 22 players who travelled are likely to be involved in the first-team at some stage.

"The most important thing for us was to play three hard games, get some good training under our belts," he said.

"Tuesday's game was especially physical but we showed great spirit to keep going We should have won really but we missed a few chances.

"But I'm confident every player feels part of the group. That is so important because we will use 20-odd players during the course of the season and we need everyone to feel connected to the first team.

"I guarantee whatever side I pick for that Scunthorpe game will not be the same as the team which starts the next game or one 10 games down the line.

"Things like injuries and suspensions always kick in and we are going to need everybody."

TICKETS are still available for Reading's clash against Wolves next Tuesday priced £10 adults and £5 concessions when bought in advance, or £2 more on the day.

Call 0844 249 1871 or visit www.readingfc.co.uk

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