MANAGER: It's a really good stadium to go to

Paul Simpson is set to welcome two players back into his squad as United head to Reading on Tuesday.

Joe Garner and Alfie McCalmont have served their respective suspensions meaning they will be available for selection in Berkshire on Tuesday evening.

And with the side having come through the 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic without any further injuries, the Blues boss will have a bolstered pool of players to select from.

"Everyone has come through it [the Charlton game] okay and all of the substitutions were just to freshen it up and put fresh legs on," Simpson explained. 

"We've come through that unscathed and we have Joe Garner and Alfie McCalmont to come back into it. We've got to make sure we go and do ourselves justice at Reading."

One notable absentee from the squad on Saturday was Terry Ablade, with Simpson confirming that the Fulham loanee is set for a spell on the sidelines.

"Terry has a tear in his thigh which he picked up in the game against Harrogate," he said.

"He's had a scan on that and he's out for a long time - I think until the middle of February. 

"These are the problems that we're facing and I think it always happens that when you can't afford injuries, you get them. We've just got to hang in there and keep going."

Tuesday's trip is the first time United have faced Reading away from home since May 1982 - and will be the club's first-ever visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

"It’s a really good stadium to go to," said Simpson.

"They’re a big football club, Reading. Whatever’s gone on, they’ve obviously caused themselves some problems. We’ve got to forget about that – just go and make sure we do our jobs properly."

The game also acts as the cut-off for those lingering on the brink of suspension for accumulating five yellow cards - with United having a quartet of players in that position.

Explaining his view on that situation, Simpson added: "I think if you look at it, Charlton was the first game that Mox has been on four [cautions]. Jack Armer has had two when he’s been on four. I think Sam picked up his fourth at Bolton so he’s had a good few games. Jon Mellish has gone even longer. 

"I’m saying to them, if you have to have a last ditch tackle, take somebody out and get a yellow I’ll take that, but I don’t want silly ones. Because it’s the silly ones that annoy me – delaying the restart, kicking the ball away, petulant stuff. 

"It shows me they can do it. They need to make sure they keep with that discipline going into what will be a tough game on Tuesday. 

"If they do it, you have to take small wins and I think they can be incredibly proud if they get through."

Read Time: 3 mins