Royals boss Steve Coppell believes Michael Duberry's experience can be of huge benefit to the Royals over the arduous period of Christmas fixtures.

Duberry played his first League game of the season in Monday's 3-1 home win over Coventry, and he was typically dogged and determined at centre back.

He offers a no-nonsense approach, and is a very steady, dependable head in the heart of our defensive line.

Coppell said, "He's got bags of experience. With Leeds getting knocked out of the FA Cup against Histon on Sunday we've been reminded of it all again - seeing the photos of him at Leeds in that European year.

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"He's just got a real pedigree. If we can keep his fitness levels and maintain his desire up at what it is at this moment, in time, then we've got a massive bonus coming back into the team at the start of December."

33-year-old Duberry got his chance because of a three-match suspension to Andre Bikey, and the former Chelsea man will keep his place for Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship game at Barnsley.

Michael has waited very patiently while Bikey and Ivar Ingimarsson have been in good form, and he is back fully fit after picking up a calf problem in our 5-1 home Carling Cup win over Luton back in late August.