Reading boss Noel Hunt is wary of Stockport County and their squad, even after the exit of star striker Louie Barry.

21-year-old Aston Villa forward netted 16 goals in 24 appearances for the Hatters in the first half of the season, including 47 per cent of their goals away from home, but returned to Villa Park earlier this month.

Sat seventh, directly behind the Royals, some may take Dave Challinor's side lightly without the key forward, but Hunt is still wary of the League Two champions, especially after October's 4-1 win at Edgeley Park.

"He’s a fantastic player and has been great for them," Hunt said on Thursday. "He’s bumped up the league and took to the level really well, but they’ve got players that come in. They’re a strong squad and it will be a tough game for us."

Stockport have never played at the SCL Stadium, last visiting Reading in 1997, and their supporters are travelling down in their thousands.

It is the beginning of a difficult run of fixtures, with Leyton Orient, Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers all to come in the next few weeks.

Reading are battling illness and injury, with as many as 10 regulars missing for tomorrow's encounter.