Reading manager Mark Bowen is hoping last weekend's postponement at Nottingham Forest can play into his side's hands slightly as they face Millwall this weekend.

The game was called off due to the inclement conditions in the East Midlands and Bowen, after initially being annoyed at the postponement, admitted he has reflected on it in a positive light since.

He said: "I was gutted on Saturday lunchtime when it was called off and I know the players were as we were in a good place and they lost their last two games and I know there was a real feeling that we could go there and get something out of the game.

"That was initially frustrating but I woke up on Sunday morning and looked back and remembered that we ran faster, harder and longer than during any game this season in the Preston and QPR games.

"With that in mind, I did look at it and think we may have fallen off a cliff with the third hard game in one week and it might have gone against us that way."

On Saturday, Millwall are in town with new manager Gary Rowett and they had an excellent 2-0 win against Stoke on Saturday.

Bowen is expecting a tough test against the Potters and hoped to kick on with an unbeaten run at home.

He added: "You expect them to challenge us physically and Gary will bring them extra quality.

"I am fully aware we are facing strong opposition on Saturday. With all due respect to the teams in the next two games, I would suggest we may be favourites so that represents a different mentality for us."

Bowen has introduced the likes of Sam Baldock and Garath McCleary back into the fold and Danny Loader smashed home a hat-trick for the U23s on Monday.

The Welshman added: "I am keeping a close eye on Danny.

"I didn't think we played that well as a group but Danny understood he had to raise his game, and he did, and it brings him closer to my thoughts for Saturday as well."