Published: Wednesday, 17th December, 2008 5:02pm

Murty continues comeback trail

by Anthony Smith

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Fit again: Graeme Murty wants to be challenging for a first-team recall in the New Year.

GRAEME Murty has pencilled in Reading's FA Cup clash at Cardiff City as the date of his possible return.

Royals' skipper suffered a calf injury in pre-season and he is yet to play for the first team this campaign.

He was due to be fit in September but aggravated the problem in a reserves match. Then a few weeks ago the same thing happened when he tweaked his hamstring, setting his recovery back again.

But the 33-year-old full-back is finally on the mend after another outing for the reserves yesterday (Wednesday) and he is desperate to be involved in the third round tie at Ninian Park on Saturday, January 3 when Coppell is certain to make changes.

Murty said: "We did some extra training when the Crystal Palace reserve game was called off. I overstretched and tweaked my hamstring.

"I took some time off but now I'm back in full training though I don't think I'm that close because I really need games.

"I'm not going to say I feel magnificent because it will come back and kick me in the unmentionables. But I feel good and I'm progressing well.

"I hope to be back in the first-team by the turn of the year or at least in the mix because when you are on the outside it is horrible. You work extremely hard but you don't feel part of it. I just want to feel part of it again."

Murty now sees the FA Cup clash in South Wales as the perfect opportunity for a comeback.

"It would be brilliant if I could pencil that in as a target," he admitted. "I imagine the manager might make a few changes and it would be great to get a game as soon as that, whether I start or from the bench.

"So long as the manager knows I'm still around and alive and kicking I will be happy."

But Murty also realises he is no longer an automatic choice in his position with 24-year-old Liam Rosenior currently in firm possession of the shirt.

"I've had a great run until now and this is a bit of a blip," explained Murty, who is in the middle of his testimonial year. "But the main thing is the squad is strong and can cope with it.

"I haven't had to watch many games and I can confirm I don't like doing it but I'm getting there and playing this week is another marker in my recovery."

Murty is desperate to travel to Birmingham City with the squad this Saturday for the promotion clash, though he accepts he will probably have to settle for watching it on the television.

"I don't know if I'm going to Birmingham because the reserve side may be training on Saturday morning," he stated.

"I'd love to be there supporting the boys but this is another step in my rehab and I have to do what's physically best for me which could mean coming in to do some extra work. But I'll make sure I don't miss it."

NICHOLAS Bignall struck a late equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw for Reading reserves at Aldershot reserves on Wednesday.