Royals manager Veljko Paunovic has confirmed that midfielder John Swift could make his long-awaited return from injury against Cardiff City on Friday.

Swift has only featured in nine games so far during an injury-plagued campaign for the Royals, last playing for Reading against Stoke City at the start of February.

The midfielder is back in full training and will be available to feature against Cardiff at the Madejski on Friday evening, Paunovic confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Paunovic said: "Swift is in full training now so he will be available for selection this Friday.

"It's a big boost with him coming back, a great reinforcement for the team.

"Everyone likes Swifty and knows how important he is for our football and everyone is happy now.

"We have to be careful with how quickly we reintroduce him but he is back."

Omar Richards is also in line for a start after he missed out on a spot in the starting XI against Watford last Friday.

Felipe Araruna remains a few weeks away from full fitness, with Michael Morrison and Tom McIntyre also ruled out.