Reading FC have been handed a boost ahead of Wednesday's Championship clash with Luton Town as manager Veljko Paunovic confirmed that defender Michael Morrison is closing in on a return.

The 33-year old centre-back started Reading's first eight games of the season, even captaining the side against Fulham in September. But a knee injury shortly after ruled Morrison out of Reading's last 17 league matches.

Now though, after playing 45 minutes of the U23's defeat to Newcastle United last Friday, the former Birmingham man is closing in on a return to action.

"He (Morrison) felt good (on Friday) and he’s a positive," Paunovic said after Saturday's defeat to Middlesbrough. "Hopefully, he can be back for the next match (vs Luton Town)."

Morrison's return is even more crucial with Scott Dann's recent hamstring injury while Liam Moore, stripped of the captaincy over the weekend, continues to be sidelined with what has been called a "soft-tissue" problem.

"They’re recovering from their respective injuries and we’ll see when they can be back," Paunovic added about Moore and Ovie Ejaria.

Meanwhile, Junior Hoilett is set for some time out of action although the early indications are that his hamstring strain picked up against Boro is not as serious as first feared.

Reading Chronicle: Junior Hoilett was forced off against Middlesbrough with a hamstring problem. Image by: JasonPIXJunior Hoilett was forced off against Middlesbrough with a hamstring problem. Image by: JasonPIX

"At this point it’s hard," Paunovic said. "We tested him, our physios tested him, he has pain, it doesn’t look bad at this point but it’s acute."

Reading held the lead at the Riverside Stadium until the 85th minute thanks to Andy Carroll's second half header, but two Matt Crooks goals in the final ten minutes consigned the Royals to a heartbreaking defeat.

They've now won just two of their last 13 league matches as they prepare to face Luton Town on Wednesday evening.