PAUL McShane and Joey van den Berg face late fitness tests today to determine whether they will feature for Reading FC at Burton Albion on Sunday (12pm ko).

Royals skipper McShane has been battling a calf injury and has not features for Jaap Stam's team since a 3-0 defeat at Preston on March 11.

Defensive midfielder Van den Berg has been nursing a hamstring problem he picked up in the 2-0 victory at play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the following fixture.

The pair have both played major roles in Reading's success this season, with McShane forming a superb partnership with Liam Moore in central defence and van den Berg providing plenty of security in front.

The Reading duo have been training with the first team squad this week, but Stam must now decide whether to play them in the Burton clash or delay their comebacks until the play-off semi finals.

Assistant manager Andries Ulderink said: “Joey and Paul joined in this week. They did a bit less than the others on occasions because they were quite a tough sessions.

“They've been out for quite a long time so on Saturday we will make a final decision about what we're going to do and whether they will get minutes in the Burton game or not.

“We will see how they react to training, but it looks very good.”

Bracknell News:

Reading's Joey van den Berg.

However, it appears Reading are likely to rest Garath McCleary on Sunday after the winger aggravated a long-standing groin problem in last weekend's 1-0 win against Wigan which secured their place in the play-offs.

But long-term injury victim Stephen Quinn is finally on the mend following knee surgery that has kept him out of action since the 2-0 EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal in October.

“Garath had some treatment this week and he responded very well,” added Ulderink. “I think there's a big question mark over whether he can join in on Sunday, but we're positive he'll be ready in the play-offs.

“Stephen Quinn has also trained all week so it's looking quite good.”

Reading may guaranteed a top-five finish, but Stam's men will be determined to end the regular season with a victory at Burton Albion to boost confidence for the play-offs.

With that in mind, Ulderink ruled out the possibility of making wholesale changes this Sunday to rest players for the semi finals.

“Some have been playing games with a few niggles, but not big injuries.” he explained. “We still have to decide what to do with a couple of them, but we're not going to swap six or seven players.”

Reading defeated Burton 3-0 at Madejski Stadium in November with goals from Dominic Samuel, Danny Williams plus a John Brayford own goal.

And if Stam's men pick up another three points this Sunday they will finish third in the table and meet sixth-placed Fulham in the play-off semi finals.

However, Ulderink expects Nigel Clough's Brewers, who secured their Championship safety last weekend, to put a strong fight in front of their own supporters and is taking nothing for granted.