Shola set for Royals

Having endured a couple of years of hip-induced injury hell it seems that after two reserve games and the hastily arranged friendly against Gretna should be enough to see Shola Ameobi come back into Glenn Roeder`s first team thinking. Speaking to the press he's lined up our first appearance at the ground to show us all that he`s been fixed by Mr Steadman. Here`s what he told WideoftheMark:

"It felt good to come through 70 minutes last night and now Reading is definitely in my sights. It wasn't the greatest game last night, but like I said last week, I feared for my career, so this is a big bonus for me. I am just glad to be out there and getting the chance to work my way back to the first team."

Meanwhile the odds on him being joined in that game by England`s Michael Owen and Scott Parker seem to be growing after Glenn Roeder acknowledged they were both close to comebacks:

'Never since I've been manager here have I been able to write Michael Owen's name on the team-sheet as a starter. Once, I think I wrote him on the team-sheet as a sub at Birmingham. He played 29 minutes. We are getting much closer and when he is fully fit I am looking forward to that and it is not far away. I don't feel he needs to play in the reserves, he could have, but I think it is more important he has a day's training. We can put on a competitive game ourselves during the week. Whether he makes next Monday or not, I am not sure yet. But I am very positive with the way Michael is going.'

Meanwhile Parker said:

'I thought I could have a chance against Chelsea at the weekend, but it wasn't to be. I am hoping to try and get back for the Reading game. We have to take it step by step and I am reaching a point where it is staying still. I am taking each day as it comes and am hoping for Monday.'

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