Sidwell due warm reception

McDermott pays tribute to midfielder's time at Reading

Last updated: 6th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sidwell due warm reception

Sidwell: Could start

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Reading boss Brian McDermott is confident Steve Sidwell will be given a warm reception when Aston Villa travel to the Madejski Stadium on Sunday.

The former Royals midfielder could be in line for a rare start when Reading host Martin O'Neill's side in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Despite leaving for Chelsea at the end of his contract in 2007, Sidwell is still remembered fondly for his efforts during his final season.

"Steve Sidwell could well start and everyone at Reading will only speak highly of him," McDermott said.

"He left the club on a Bosman but his attitude that season was first class.

"He was always available for selection and never pulled out of any tackles. He was 100% committed in every game up until the day he left and we look forward to seeing him on Sunday."

Upset

Midfielder Jay Tabb thinks Reading, who defeated Liverpool in the third round, are in the perfect position to cause another huge upset.

"This is a great tie for us against a Villa team looking at a top-four finish in the best league in the world," Tabb said.

"The cup has been a turning point for us this season and I've always loved the FA Cup.

"It's a great competition and I'm really looking forward to playing on Sunday. The further you go, the more people sit up and take notice.

"We are top of the form table at the moment and we have already beaten big teams to get this far so we have no fear.

"It is a great achievement from the squad to get this far and we want to keep it going.

"The chance to play at Wembley hasn't sunk in yet but we will give it everything to get through to the semi-final."