Reading FC boss Veljko Paunovic has confirmed that Marc McNulty is not in his current plans after the Scottish forward was left out of the squad for the opening day defeat to Stoke City.

The Royals only named five out of an available seven substitutes at the bet365 Stadium and looked short on depth as Sam Surridge's late winner sealed all three points for the Staffordshire side.

McNulty has been training with the U23's over the summer with the club actively looking to move him on, either on a permanent or short-term deal.

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Speaking to BBC Berkshire, Paunovic explained the reason for McNulty's absence from his depleted squad.

"He [Marc McNulty] is a wonderful guy and he probably does things the best he can.

"But we don't count on him and that is the bottom line.

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"We have to know when we prepare the team and the squad.

"I need to know who I am going with and these decisions are just technical.

"You have to look at the squad you have to work with and make sure they are available and ready."

McNulty has previously been linked with a return to Dundee United and Tranmere Rovers this summer.