Henry set for league debut

Anthony Smith • Published 9 Dec 2008 12:00 0 Comments

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ROYALS teenager James Henry is set to make his full league debut against Blackpool tonight after Jimmy Kebe's red card was upheld (8pm ko).

The Football Association's fast-track disciplinary panel have thrown out Reading's appeal against Kebe's sending off in the 1-0 victory at Barnsley last Saturday.

The Mali winger will now serve a three-match ban starting with tonight's clash at the Madejski Stadium as well as the home fixture against Norwich City this Saturday and the trip to promotion-rivals Birmingham City the following weekend.

Boss Steve Coppell is considering his options but 19-year-old Henry is almost certain to get the nod ahead of Bobby Convey.

"Bobby Convey could come in if we want experience, while James Henry has been knocking on the door all season," said Coppell.

"I thought James played particularly well in the cup at Stoke. I'm confident he can play at the level."

Henry's inclusion in the first-team is likely to be the only change Coppell makes.

And he stressed: "You need strength in depth within your squad, and one of our strengths is having players who are supportive of each other whether they are playing or not.

"You don't win games with just eleven players alone - everyone has a significant role to play even if they're not starting."

Meanwhile, Blackpool arrive in 15th place in the Championship but only leaders Wolves have won more games away from home.

"They're like a number of sides in this division at the moment, in that they are quite comfortable away from home with a marginally better away record than home," explained Coppell.

"In fact it's the third home game in a row where the team we're facing have a better away record than home. We know it will be a tough game and we'll prepare accordingly."

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 09 Dec 08

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