Hull v Reading preview

Team news for Tuesday's Championship clash between Hull and Reading at the KC Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Hull midfielder Kevin Kilbane is set to miss the game after suffering a bout of concussion after a heavy challenge from Ched Evans in the 3-2 win at Sheffield United on Boxing Day. The blow of Kilbane's likely absence will be softened by the return of Andy Dawson from a one-match ban, while Paul McShane was Kilbane's replacement and he will be hoping for a start. The Tigers will definitely be without on-loan defender Daniel Ayala after he returned to parent club Liverpool following a troublesome hamstring injury. Jimmy Bullard, who scored the injury-time winner against the Blades, could be in line for a start following his first appearance since October, while boss Nigel Pearson could also be boosted by the return of Nick Barmby (leg infection) and Mark Cullen (ankle). Reading boss Brian McDermott could name an unchanged squad for the trip. The Royals were on form in a fine 4-1 home win over Bristol City on Boxing Day to climb to within a point of the play-off places and McDermott is likely to stick with the same XI if he can. Striker Shane Long took his tally to four goals in two games with a brace against City and will continue in attack alongside Noel Hunt with Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe on the wings. However should McDermott decide to freshen up his front line for a second game in three days Simon Church, Hal Robson-Kanu and Michail Antonio could all come in. Club captain Ivar Ingimarsson (hamstring) completed 90 minutes for the reserves earlier this month and the defender could be involved for the first time this season. His Icelandic compatriot Brynjar Gunnarsson (knee) is also back in training but the defensive midfielder is not expected to start.