BRIAN McDermott admits it will be a 'tall order' to get Deniss Rakels fit before tomorrow's Championship home clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, writes Anthony Smith.

The 23-year-old striker has finally received international clearance from the Polish FA after joining Royals from Cracovia for around £400,000 last week.

But the Latvia frontman is lacking match fitness due to the mid-season break in Poland.

McDermott explained: “He’s had a mini-break really.

“This is pre-season for him and he’s getting back up to speed.

“He's joined in with the group. He did his own training on Tuesday with the fitness guys and we're trying to get him up to speed.

“I don't know if he will be involved on Saturday. It's a tall order as he hasn't trained for three or four weeks, but well see.”

However, McDermott says he likes what he has seen of Rakels, who was wanted by a number of European clubs including Club Brugge.

“I've seen him on the pitch in small areas and he is tidy,” stated Royals' boss. “He's a good lad and wants to do well.

“I've had a one-to-one with him. He's a really nice lad and I think he can understand what I'm saying. We have dialogue and I'm sure he will pick up English quickly when he's around the other lads.”

Reading will be missing Aaron Tshibola this weekend after the talented young midfielder picked up a hamstring injury on his comeback from a lengthy lay-off during last weekend's 4-0- FA Cup win against Walsall.

George Evans is also a doubt and faces a late fitness test before tomorrow's clash.

But McDermott is hoping a run of four home games in the next five league fixtures can kick-start the club's season.

Reading, beaten 2-1 at Ipswich Town on Tuesday night, have taken a paltry eight points from the last 33 on offer and are languishing in 16th place in the table, 13 points off the play-offs and 10 points above the relegation zone.

“I really hope this is a good period for us and I'm looking forward to it, although the away record is something we need to address,” confessed McDermott.

“I've always had a decent home record and it's great to play in front of your own fans.

“They have stayed with us even when it hasn't been great. We were 2-0 down against Hudderfield in the FA Cup and there wasn't a murmur. We managed to win the game.

“We're trying to create an atmosphere there and a winning mentality. We've got an opportunity now with some home games coming up.

“I dont think our recent results merit the performances. I think we should have beaten Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves away and Derby away.

“But we as continue to build over time I think we will start getting those results.

“We're not quite right yet for whatever reason, but when we are we will start turning those into wins.”

Reading were beaten 1-0 at Wolves on Boxing Day when ex-Royal James Henry scored the winner.

This Saturday they will try and stop another former player from finding the net when Adam Le Fondre makes his return to Madejski Stadium.

The 29-year-old was signed by McDermott from Rotherham United in 2011 during his previous spell in charged and he scored 39 goals in 104 league appearances before moving to Cardiff City in 2014.

Le Fondre is now on a season-long loan at Wolves where he has scored three times in 20 league appearannce.

Le Fondre is certain to get a warm receptions form Royals fans and McDermott added: “I remember having converations with Alfie most Thursdays and Fridays after he'd just scored the winning goal for me.

“He'd come off the bench and score again and I'd say, 'Alfie, I can't start you,' and he would say 'I know, gaffer.'

“I'd apologise and tell him I know he would come off the bench and score again.

“We'd break teams down and he would come on and get the winner.

“He was a great bloke and top class finisher. He should be a real hero for Reading fans for his two goals at Southampton [that helped Reading win promotion to the Premier League in 2012].

“He's a clever guy, he understood football and he knew what I was trying to do at Reading. We had a really good relationship.”

Meanwhile, reports in the north west state Reading had a deadline-day bid rejected for Bolton Wanderers defender, Rob Holding.