The pair played in a friendly against Stevenage at Royals’ Hogwood Park training ground and are pushing for a first-team recall.

Guthrie and Kelly played 45 minutes each against Stevenage and could be in contention to face Derby County in the Capital One Cup third round next Tuesday night.

Guthrie, 27, has been sidelined with a calf injury since Reading’s 1-1 draw at Wigan on the opening day of the Championship season. Kelly, 31, has not featured at all this season due to a knee problem.

In a further boost for Royals, Hal Robson-Kanu, 25, has returned to light training following a serious knee problem.

However, it is not all good news for Reading on the injury front as long-term casualty Jem Karacan has suffered a setback.

Club captain Karacan, 25, tore knee ligaments in a match against Leeds United exactly one year ago today.

He required reconstructive knee surgery and had returned to light training with Royals when he picked up a fresh knock.

In addition, summer signing Anton Ferdinand has tweaked a hamstring during his recovery from a knee injury.

The 29-year-old centre-back has been unavailable for selection since joining the Royals on August 11 as a free agent.

He faces at least three more weeks out of action following his latest scare and boss Nigel Adkins is unlikely to rush him back.

Karacan and Ferdinand are now unlikely to be fit until at least the middle of October following the upcoming international break.

Danny Williams, Garath McCleary, Shaun Cummings, Craig Tanner and Aaron Tshibola will also be out of action for the foreseeable future as they battle back from long-term injuries.

Meanwhile, Adkins is likely to name an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (3pm ko).

Royals secured their third Championship win in a row and fourth in all competition by beating Millwall 3-2 at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night thanks to a Simon Cox brace and Nick Blackman penalty.

Royston Drenthe is prevented from playing against Reading at Hillsborough as part of his loan deal to the Owls.