READING FC manager Paul Ince was full of praise for Liam Moore ahead of a potential return to the matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.
The former Royals captain has been sidelined with injury since picking up knee ligament damage during his loan spell at Stoke City last season.
However, Ince has revealed that the 30-year-old may be involved for their trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend.
“Liam Moore might be on the coach,” said Ince.
“He’s trained all week. His numbers have been absolutely fantastic.
“It’s just a case because there is a game here tomorrow and Tom Holmes is also a doubt for Saturday.
“So do I play him on Friday to get some match fitness or do I take him on Saturday, I’ve not decided yet.”
He was set for a return to Reading’s squad for their third-round FA Cup tie with Watford, but sustained a hamstring injury the day before the game.
Ince continued: “It has to be Liam’s decision. The boy has been out for so long.
“And when he was supposed to be playing against Watford in the FA Cup he broke down the day before and had already told his kids ‘come and watch daddy play’, so I remember the heartbreak he had that game.
“I’d hate to see that happen again. Because he’s been out for so long he’s so keen to get back in.
“I spoke to him today (Thursday) and he said he feels great.”