Sunderland vs Reading

All the latest from the Stadium of Light as Tony Mowbray's Black Cats look to boost their Championship promotion hopes against Paul Ince's Royals.

[Black Cats](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/sunderland-afc) the levels they must reach if they are to make it to the Premier League. "That’s the standard you have to get to if you want to play in the Premier League. Ultimately, Fulham's quality shone through but Sunderland did enough over the two games to show they can carve out chances and score goals against top flight opposition and Sunderland can take confidence from that as they continue their challenge for a Championship play-off place when Reading visit Wearside this weekend. "It took a day or two longer than we had hoped to get him back to having no symptoms, but he is back on the grass now and that time process has started. [Tony Mowbray](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/tony-mowbray) admitting the defender's recovery from concussion has taken longer than was hoped. [Niall Huggins](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/niall-huggins) has been absent from the Sunderland squad for the last two games after playing for 45 minutes against Fulham at Craven Cottage a fortnight ago, and Tony Mowbray explained that he had picked up a slight knock. But Mowbray said Cirkin needed a day or two extra before he could begin stepping up his training, although he expects the 20-year-old will be fit by the time Sunderland take on QPR at Loftus Road on Tuesday. Mowbray will welcome loan striker [Joe Gelhardt](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-gelhardt-says-championship-tougher-26163966) back into the mix today after he was cup-tied in midweek. "We're trying to give him the time he needs. Striker [Gelhardt](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/joe-gelhardt) joined the Black Cats on loan from Leeds United late in the transfer window and made his debut in last weekend's Championship draw at Millwall, having been ineligible for the FA Cup fourth tie - and replay - against Fulham because he is cup-tied. He doesn't communicate much other than with the young French kids we have in the squad because at this stage he doesn't really have any English Mowbray said: "Isaac is available, his work permit and his registration is through so this is the first game where has been available for us.

Paul Ince's Reading FC are in Championship action this Saturday afternoon as they head to the Stadium of Light to take on Tony Mowbray's Sunderland ...

Mbengue interepts the ball and plays it to Ince. Hoilett shoots but the effort is blocked and goes out for a corner. We will also provide updates throughout the 90 minutes, with kick-off at 3pm, as well analysis and reaction post-match. Gelhardt goes off down the right but is showed out of play by Mbengue. Ince aims it at the back post for Carrol but his header on is cleared. Reading break and Ince plays Long through but he stalls his run. Clever pass inside through a gap of Sunderland players from Hoilett who sets Ince away towards the box. Mbengue's throw into the box is headed on by Carroll. Alese hooks a cross into the Reading box. Through ball into Long is just out of reach for the striker as Patterson comes out to clear. Reading manage to get it back into the box and there is a bit of a scramble before Patterson smothers the ball. Roberts looks to play Michut down the left channel but Yiadom makes the tackle and directs the ball of Michut to go out for a goal-kick.

Tony Mowbray's side are ninth in the table following last weekend's draw at Millwall, and were narrowly beaten by Premier League side Fulham on Wednesday.

Sunderland are finishing the half with a bit more attacking intent after Clarke cut in from the left and his cross forced a corner. LIVE: Sunderland 0 Reading 0 Sunderland face Reading in the Championship – and we’ve got all the action covered.