JAAP Stam admits he is not surprised by the lack of Dutch media interest in tomorrow's hoops derby between Reading FC and Queens Park Rangers (3pm ko).

Saturday's clash at Loftus Road will see Stam go up against fellow Dutchman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the day's most attractive Championship fixture.

But Stam revealed the so-called hoops derby has bypassed the media back in Holland.

“I don't know what they make of it, I don't really speak to Dutch media to be fair,” stated Stam.

“They could make a nice story out of it, but they probably won't do it.

“When you have managers from a small countries like Holland and the UK working abroad you can pay attention to it, but the Dutch are a bit cocky as well and stick with their own.

“So I don't think they are too bothered. I'm working over here now, I talk to English media and I'm happy with that.

“If they want to pay attention to the QPR game then fine, if they don't it's okay with me.”

Reading have lost just once in 10 matches in all competitions and are eighth in the Championship table – five places above Rangers who are unbeaten in three.

There will be a strong Dutch presence both on and off the field as Roy Beerens, Joey van den Berg and Danzell Gravenberch could be included in the Royals squad.

And ex-Manchester United defender Stam will be keen to get one over his former Holland teammate Hasselbaink, who was cleared of any wrongdoing by QPR yesterday following a club investigation into a newspaper sting.

“We played against each other in Holland when we were younger and together with the national team,” said Stam.

“But we are not so close that we call each other up all time, though of course it will be nice to see him.”

Stam also believes that working abroad can only improve foreign coaches like himself and Hasselbaink.

“Football is very big here and everyone wants to work in the UK, including British managers,” he argued.

“They do their jobs here instead of going to another country. But I think it sometimes helps you become a good manager if you have experience of working somewhere else.

“Finding out how clubs in other countries work could be good for your career.”

Tyler Blackett is available for Reading after serving a three-match suspension, though Jake Cooper, Yakou Meite and Deniss Rakels remain sidelined with injury.

Meite has been out of action for a month with an ankle injury and appendicitis, though he is due to resume full training early next week.

Meanwhile, defender James Perch could return for Queens Park Rangers after a month out with a knee injury, though Jake Bidwell (shoulder) and Jack Robinson (shin) and forward Jamie Mackie (ankle) remain sidelined.