READING FC manager Nigel Adkins has told his players to make their chances count in Sunday’s big clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers (1.15pm ko, live Sky Sports).

Royals have learned a costly lesson in the past week that saw them crash 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Saturday and 2-0 at Derby County in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.

In both games Adkins’ men were well on top but failed to turn that pressure into an opening goal.

On-loan Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray was the chief culprit at Hillsborough last weekend after missing a first-half penalty.

And Wednesday punished the error when Stevie May’s deflected free-kick won it late on.

Royals also had a golden opportunity to go ahead at Derby on Tuesday night.

But on that occasion Jamie Mackie lacked composure when one-on-one with Rams’ rookie keeper Kelle Roos who saved the shot.

Once again, Derby made the most of the let-off as a Johnny Russell strike and Alex Pearce own goal sent them into the last 16 of the cup competition.

Adkins said: “Derby got the important first goal with one pass, and then a second from some good wing play in fairness.

“Derby play some excellent possession football. We set up a different way to give them problems.

“In the second half I thought we were in good control of the game. Hal Robson-Kanu has forced another good save from their keeper, we were getting crosses in and there were a lot of blocked shots.

“Then totally against the run of play, for me, they scored. They put two forwards up front, and the lad has gone through and puts it away really, really well.”

Adkins groaned: “Against a team who play excellent possession football I thought it was us who were in control of the game at that time.

“Unfortunately the goal changes the complexion of the game. A great bit of wing play lead to the second goal which was unfortunately a deflection. That’ the second one in two games now.”

With Wolves riding high in third place under Kenny Jackett, Reading go into Sunday’s televised fixture as slight underdogs despite home advantage.

However, there is good news on the injury front as Danny Guthrie and Robson-Kanu made their long-awaited returns at Derby County in the third round tie.

Centre-back Michael Hector also came back from injury to boost Adkins’ options this weekend.

He stated: “It’s great that we’ve managed to get Hal Robson-Kanu and Danny Guthrie a good 70 to 75 minutes.

“Aaron Kuhl also played 90 minutes, he grew into the game and did ever so well in the second half. And I thought Michael Hector was outstanding at the back.”

READING have sold their entire away allocation for the short trip to Brentford’s Grifin Park on October 4. Fans can join a waiting list by calling 0118 968 1313.