FA CUP FIFTH ROUND: Everton v Reading:READING MANAGER Brian McDermott has promised to send his Championship side out to attack Everton tonight.
The Royals dumped Everton’s city rivals Liverpool out of the competition last season with a 2-1 win at Anfield en route to the last eight, and are confident of a repeat performance.
McDermott lines his team up with two genuine wingers in Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe and he has promised he will not compromise his attacking principles against David Moyes’ side.
“It’s a great game, it’s exactly what we want,” said McDermott. “We are trying to get into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the second year in a row and are playing against a team steeped in history with a great manager and good players.
“We are looking forward to having a real go and trying to get through. But we’ll only enjoy it if we win and get through. Getting results is the only way to enjoy a game.”
Central to the Royals’ chances is Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long. The Tipperary man scored the winner against Liverpool 12 months ago, but has really come into his own this season, scoring 17 goals, including a goal in each round of the FA Cup so far.
He will be partnered by Waterford’s Noel Hunt in an attacking formation, but it is at the other end where McDermott’s preparations have been hit.
Goalkeeper Adam Federici is out with a knee injury while captain Ivar Ingimarsson is set to miss out with a groin problem.
Alex Pearce remains sidelined with his thigh strain, so former Blackburn Rovers player Zurab Khizanishvili is set to start.
Right back Andy Griffin missed out at the weekend with an Achilles injury, meaning Shaun Cummings will deputise again. A makeshift back four and goalkeeper is not ideal for underdogs, but McDermott is keen to attack from the off and give his travelling fans a night to remember.
“I want it to be a great game and I want to make sure we do the best for our fans. We’ll have good travelling support and it’s important that they have a good night.
“We go there well equipped, we know what we are doing and we know our game plan. We will attack the game and look to win it on the night.”
Louis Saha might play for Everton tonight after escaping unharmed from a car crash on Sunday night.
The only issue is whether the French striker is still troubled by the hamstring injury which hindered his return to action in Saturday’s victory over Sunderland.
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini is a major doubt after aggravating an ankle problem against the Wearsiders. Everton will also check on the fitness of Jermaine Beckford (groin), Tim Cahill (foot) and Victor Anichebe.
