MANAGER Brian McDermott says he will use his full squad of players for the Royals trip to runaway Premier League leaders Manchester United on Monday night for their FA Cup fifth round clash (kick-off 8pm).

Looking ahead to the cup clash the Reading manager said: “We’ll use the squad, there’s no doubt about that. This is the toughest game you could have and if we’re going to progress we’ll have to do it the hard way. We’ve had two difficult games already, we won’t be favourites but it’s a fantastic opportunity for our club.”

With the fixture being put back two days for live TV coverage on ESPN, Reading used the opportunity to take a four-day warm weather training camp in the United Arab Emirates. McDermott, his staff and 24 players trained at Al-Wasl FC. Danny Guthrie did not travel as his wife is heavily pregnant.

McDermott said: “We wanted to go away to train in a different environment. We had a few options but this was the best. I’ve been here once before when Nick and I came out to sign Danny Guthrie last summer, the weather is fantastic, the facilities are top class, the players and staff are together, the people are fantastic and it’s a very good four days for us.”

Meanwhile tickets for Reading’s Premier League away games at Manchester United on March 16 and Arsenal on March 30 go on sale to season ticket holders on Monday who have 2,400 points or more.

For full details of prices and days when other supporters can purchase tickets, visit www.readingfc.co.uk

Published 14/02/13