Reading boss set to field 'powerful' side and 'go fully' for Newport EFL Trophy clash

Reading boss Ruben Selles is set to name a 'powerful' side for tomorrow's EFL Trophy group stage clash with Newport County.

Sat on three points out of a possible six, one of Reading or Newport will join Cheltenham Town in the knockout phase, with tomorrow's clash a 'winner takes all' tie at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Last week's 1-0 defeat at Whaddon Road saw Selles heavily rotate and an outfield average age of just 19-and-a-half years old.

However, with Saturday's League One fixture with Shrewsbury Town postponed due to international fixtures, Selles is confident he can name a stronger side for the visit of the Exiles.

(Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Speaking from Stevenage after Saturday's 1-1 draw, the boss said: "We have enough players to go powerful. We can make some rotation, but it will not be a full rotation. It will be like a Fleetwood team or a little bit like today.

"I am going to go fully on it. Last week we came from a period of four games in 10 days and the players were not ready to get another 90 minutes away from home- we were focussed on the game today. From the next game on Tuesday, we have enough time to recover and play so we will have a strong team on the pitch.

"I want to win every single football match. I prioritise some games, like League One, because this club will be stable in League One and that is the priority. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to win football matches, so I will do everything to win the football match on Tuesday and qualify.

"It is money for the club, some experience for some of the young boys and another game in the calendar for the future. We will take that when it comes- hopefully- but we are trying to qualify."

Last season, the Royals marched through the group without dropping a point but lost on penalties to Brighton and Hove Albion Under-21 in the Last 16 phase.