Turn Up Reading Says Monk

It has become the norm in recent years for many sides to fields 'second strings' in the Carling Cup, certainly until the latter stages of the competition.

It was a trend started by the 'big guns' several years ago and managers now see these games as the opportunity to give their fringe players a game in the first team. Some managers switch the further they get into the competition while others, like Wenger and Arsenal last year, carry on with the same line up right into the final. It also means that some shocks are just brushed under the carpet almost because of the weakened side. Reference Southend and Freddy Eastwood dumping Man Utd out last season - hardly got the column inches it would have warranted had it been a totally full strength side.

So maybe a Swans victory over their Premiership opponents this evening will be brushed over if it is their second string which is why skipper Garry Monk wants the 'real' Reading to turn up and test his side as well as giving the Swans the boost of newspaper coverage if they win. Back in January a 3-0 triumph at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup was pushed to one side because "Sheffield had many first team players missing" totally ignoring the fact that injuries had left us down to the bare bones as well.

So how strong will Reading be tonight? Well, if you believe the press outlets Steve Coppell will carry on with tradition and play his fringe players which could even be something we replicate but Monk want the full strength side to turn up. Talking to the Western Mail, he said "You want to play against the best players and the chance to play against Premiership players doesn't come along that often

"Hopefully they'll bring a strong side because it will be a really good test for us.

"I remember the FA Cup game up there a few years ago - it was Ferdinand's debut - and we should have won it.

"Then the replay was live on Sky and I remember coming off the field thinking we had given a good account of ourselves. Hopefully we'll do it again."

Swansea City have often in the past 6 years compared themselves to Charlton in terms of what can be achieved, but after the Addicks relegation from the Premiership it is now Reading look at as a comparison. They have a multi-millionaire Chairman but they don't seem to overspend on players or throw oodles of cash at "chasing a dream" and that is something that Monk can relate to

"They're definitely a role model for clubs like ourselves," he added

"I saw Steve Coppell (Reading manager) in the press this week saying they're one of the smallest, if not the smallest, clubs in the Premiership in terms of resources.

"But look at the start to the season they've had, drawing at Manchester United and beating Everton. You can't wish for better than that.

"It's good opposition to have at the Liberty, it's what our fans cry out for week-in, week-out.

"Since we played them last they've gone onto the Premiership and done brilliantly to eatsblish themselves."

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