HYLTON ROOM MAY BE PLACE ON THE BENCH
Tim’s mission to make his Prem Ream come true
LIAM MOORE insists he’s not bothered by Reading’s tag of play-off outsiders – after seeing Leicester’s miracle 5,000-1 Premier League title win at close quarters.
Unfancied Reading have already defied the odds by finishing third in the Championship in Jaap Stam’s first season as boss.
An ever-present in Stam’s defence, Moore is happy for the Royals to be seen as also-rans when they travel to Fulham for the first leg of their semi-final today.
The former Leicester man said: “The stats do not lie, we finished in third position and if people want to write us off without a ball being kicked then that is fine and we will see where it takes us.
“The pundits and bookmakers are not always correct. I was around a 5,000-1 miracle last season, so I do not really look too much into the odds and all the rest of it.
“It is two sets of squads and the best squad will win over the two games.”
Moore reckons Manchester United legend Stam’s big-game experience could prove crucial now.
He added: “Unfortunately he cannot roll his kit on and play but he will pass on what he can. The play-offs do crazy things to people, your livelihoods are at stake.”
Stam said: “You have to have a different mindset because when you go into a league game, you can be more open.
“The players need to know that we need to do it in two games. The choices they’ll need to make means they have to be disciplined.”
TIM REAM was an intrepid groom who lived the dream by cancelling his honeymoon in Tahiti to get relegated with Bolton – and his bride forgave him.
NATHAN JONES admits Danny Hylton’s Luton return has given him an almighty selection headache.
Top scorer Hylton (above, centre) is back from a two-game ban but the Hatters have rattled in seven goals in the 26-goal striker’s absence.
Luton boss Jones said: “Danny is as good as any player at this level and having him back providing that competition is wonderful for us.
“Ironically, we have put in two real good goalscoring performances in his absence, so there’s a decision to be made there in terms of who starts.”
Luton are favourites and Jones, who jumped out of plane for charity last month, is confident his side will be flying high and landing at Wembley this month.
Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer says promotion will put a smile back on faces at Bloomfield Road.
The Seasiders were in the Premier League as little as six years ago and Bowyer said: “When I first took over, it was about rebuilding the club and getting smiles on people’s faces again. This will help do that.”