Reading boss Steve Coppell is sweating over the fitness of Noel Hunt for Tuesday's game at Derby.

Hunt limped out of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Barnsley suffering with an ankle problem, but he is battling to be fit and will travel with the squad.

Fellow striker Kevin Doyle, who was missing at the weekend with a knee problem, is back in contention after having an injection to ease the injury and could earn a starting berth.

Midfielder James Harper is still struggling with a groin problem and will not feature at Pride Park, but Brynjar Gunnarsson has overcome a hamstring injury and could come back into the frame.

Ivar Ingimarsson (knee) and Graeme Murty (calf) are also still missing for the Royals, who are desperate to arrest a run of just one win in nine games and cement a play-off spot.

Luke Varney will be included in Derby's squad after returning from a month-long loan spell at Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday. The striker ended his time with the Owls by scoring both of their goals in a 2-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.

"The goals will be a good boost for his confidence," said Derby boss Nigel Clough. "But even before he got his two goals at the weekend, he was always going straight into the 16 for Tuesday. That was always the intention."

Fellow forward Chris Porter could also return to action against the Royals. The January signing from Motherwell has missed the last eight games with a hip problem.

Clough added: "We will throw him out there at some point this week, whether it be on Tuesday or against Charlton on Saturday."

Midfielder Stephen Pearson is a slight concern after a knock on a knee forced him off midway through the second half of the defeat at Crystal Palace.