Kevin Doyle missed the game at Coventry after his international exertions for Ireland in midweek.

Doyle started two games for Ireland in succession, and was left out of our 16-man squad for Saturday's game.

Boss Steve Coppell told Reading World after the match, "Kevin plays that lone role for Ireland and he does it as well as anyone - but it takes its toll.

"The manager only gave him 65 minutes in midweek but I'm sure in that 65 he put in as much effort as most do in 90.

"The Italy game was a massive one emotionally for the Irish boys, they got back at 3am, so that's why he was out."

Coppell also confirmed that Jimmy Kebe was due to start at thre Ricoh Arena, but picked up a back injury in training on Friday and could not shake it off in time to play.

In total Coppell made five changes, leaving out Doyle, Kebe, the injured Brynjar Gunnarsson, the suspended Liam Rosenior and finally Marek Matejovsky, who came on.

Jay Tabb, Shane Long, Kalifa Cisse, Julian Kelly and Glen Little came in while Noel Hunt was a sub..

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