JAAP STAM is set to ring the changes for tomorrow’s FA Cup trip to Stevenage.
Reading have struggled for form in the Championship over recent weeks without a win in six and have slipped to within four points of the relegation zone.
But the league takes a break this weekend with the Royals set to travel to Hertfordshire to face League Two Stevenage and Stam says some players will be given a well-earned rest.
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“The FA Cup is not a ‘welcome relief’,” said the Reading boss.
“It’s a thing that we still need to be very aware of to do well, to work very hard to win over there because it’s not going to be easy, especially away from home.
“Everybody wants to do well in the FA Cup.
“It’s not a relief, maybe for certain players because I need to make some changes.
“Some players are tired, especially as it’s not going how we want it to in terms of results, of course then it feels heavier and heavier.
“I think that’s normal. If you’re winning games then when you’re tired, you’re thinking I can play another game but we need to rest certain players.
“We’ll still go for a result over there.
“It doesn’t mean that we need to put in all youngsters.
“Certain youngsters are doing very well and they might get the opportunity to play.”
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Sam Smith is still out through injury but Dave Edwards, who missed Tuesday night’s defeat to Birmingham, is available having just been rested due to fatigue.
Anssi Jaakkola, Tiago Ilori, Omar Richards and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson are all in line for starts while George Evans and Garath McCleary are likely to be given more minutes to boost their fitness following recent injuries.
Another man who could be handed a chance is Pelle Clement, seeking his FA Cup debut after arriving in England from Ajax in the summer.
The Dutchman made his first Championship start since September on Tuesday evening, playing 74 minutes before being replaced after 17 consecutive games being named as a substitute.
“Pelle Clement is the type of player that can create something,” said Stam.
“He can turn away from players, he can create a bit of extra football at times as well and that’s why we played him.
“I think that’s what we need, movement in midfield and it’s never easy for a player to come in and immediately have a massive impact by scoring two goals or whatever.
“But he’s the type of player that’s working very hard for the team, trying to make a difference.
“I think in what he’s been showing in training sessions in the last months as well since he’s over here, he’s doing quite well.”
