Irish FA Cup Interest at Reading

Noel Hunt

Premier League Manchester City will have their eyes set on the FA Cup final four when they play host to Championship club Reading on Sunday.

Third placed City will be looking to bounce back from their midweek Europa League defeat at Dynamo Kiev against the Royals, who are the only team outside the Premier League left in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals.

The Kiev defeat ended a six game undefeated run for City, while Reading have won their last three games and scored nine goals in the process. That run of form for Reading includes an upset win at Everton in the last round of this competition.

Andy Griffin and Adam Federici are ruled out with injury for Reading, while winger Jobi McAnuff should shake off an ankle problem in time to play. Matt Mills is doubtful with a groin injury and will be assessed ahead of kickoff, while Queens Park Rangers loanee Mikele Leigertwood is eligible to play Reading striker 

The Irish interest includes Noel Hunt and Shane Long,  who is the second most prolific finisher in the division with 20 goals, Ian Harte and David Mooney.

Reading captain Matt Mills has called for his team-mates to take inspiration from Birmingham's shock Carling Cup win over Arsenal when they face Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Mills is hoping to shake off a groin injury in time to face his former club, and believes the Royals have what it takes to make the FA Cup semi-finals.

The 24-year-old scored the winner as Everton were dumped out of round five at Goodison Park, and is confident of causing an even bigger upset against Roberto Mancini's men.

Birmingham's Wembley win last month was one of the biggest cup shocks of recent years, but Mills is hoping for more from the npower Championship side.

He said: "It's a great tie for us and very exciting. For players and fans it's going to be a great day. We are going up there with one thing on our mind and that is to win the game.

"City have got quality in their squad and as a player you want to play against the best players in the world, and they have got that.

"But you have to remember it is only 11 against 11 and there are always upsets in football.

"Birmingham beat Arsenal just a few weeks ago to win the Carling Cup and you never know.

"We have got plenty of confidence from the Everton game and we go there looking forward to it."

The Royals' greatest threat is likely to come from Shane Long, with the Republic of Ireland striker in the form of his life.

Noel Hunt believes Long is the best forward outside of the Barclays Premier League.

Hunt said: "Shane is the best striker in the Championship by a mile, there is no debating that in any way, shape or form.

"He has got 20 goals already this season and even Kevin Doyle didn't do that in this league for us.

"We all know how big the FA Cup is for everyone and we can't wait for it. It's a big ask but we've been asked these questions before and came through it."

The Berkshire club is paying for coaches for 1,844 fans to travel to Manchester on Sunday and Long feels the opportunity to play top-flight opposition is a great one for everyone involved.