Alan Bennett's chances of breaking into the Reading first-team have been boosted due to the misfortune of a new team-mate.

Ibrahima Sonko, a mainstay in the side, will miss the rest of the season with cruciate knee ligament damage which he sustained in the home win over Sheffield United almost a fortnight ago.

"He's obviously an important player for us," said manager Steve Coppell of the French defender, "but the signings we've made during the transfer window will help to compensate for his absence."

Bennett joined Reading from Cork City earlier this week for an Irish record transfer fee.  Although he'll now be catapulted into the reckoning, he must still barge his way past other defenders at the club.

The fact Coppell signed two other defenders this week makes Bennett's task all the more difficult but the 25-year-old Corkman is fiercely determined to succeed at the Madejski Stadium.

Along with Bennett, Coppell has bolstered his defence with the acquisitions of Greg Halford and Michael Duberry from Colchester United and Stoke City respectively .

"You have to over-shop because if you are caught short after the window closes there is absolutely nothing you can do about it," Coppell said in reference to his new trio.

"This is a massively critical period for every club so we have over-compensated."

Halford cost Reading a club record £2.5 million, and although predominantly a defender, Bennett could benefit from the fact the versatile 22-year-old is also at ease in midfield and up front.

Duberry signed last night when Reading invoked a clause in his contract that allowed him join a Premiership club for a fixed amount.

The former Chelsea defender has penned a one-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Bennett's registration was not finalised in time to face Wigan earlier in the week but he will be in squad contention for Saturday's Premiership tie away to Manchester City.