That is despite the fact they were the last of the qualifiers for the semi-finals and will also be missing their leading goal scorer John Jackson.

Blues, however, are an improving side.

They managed only to win one of the four indoor league games played before Christmas and looked to be heading out of the competition.

But the second round of fixtures produced three wins and a draw, with the latter earning them their place in the semi-finals, where they will meet league winners East Grinstead.

“We are all looking forward to Sunday,” said Watts.

“The first weekend didn’t go too well, but we then produced a brilliant performance on the second weekend.

“I agree we go to Wembley as outsiders of the four teams, but we’re happy with that tag as it will take some of the pressure off us.”

Blues lost 5-2 to title favourites East Grinstead when they met in the league at Burton-upon-Trent last month, but Watts added: “We had a good contest with them and we have now gained more experience. I am confident we can give them a good run for their money.”

However, it is still likely that Reading keeper Tommy Alexander is in for a busy 40 minutes.

“I am really excited about going there this weekend,” said Alexander, whose only previous experience of Wembley was when he was on standby for Nick Brothers. “I learned a lot from Nick. He is one of the best keepers I’ve seen.”

Alexander said there is quite a difference between playing indoors and outdoor hockey.

“Indoors, you have to be even more alert. It is a faster game and you have to be ready for surprise shots. You expect a lot of goals, though I will be doing my best to make sure EG (East Grinstead) don’t get too many on Sunday.”

As for finding the net themselves, Reading will be missing Jackson, who scored 11 goals in their eight indoor games.

The Ireland captain is with his squad at a South African training camp, where they are preparing for the World League 2 which starts in the United States on February 28.

Reading’s match with East Grinstead on Sunday starts at 12.30pm, and will be followed by the second semi-final between Canterbury and Sevenoaks at 1.45. The final is scheduled for 4.45.

Bowdon Hightown and East Grinstead will contest the women’s final at 3.15.

Watts added: “This is one of the best days England Hockey put on. With so many games being played on the same day, there is always a good atmosphere.

“We will have a good number of fans there from Reading.”

The Reading squad is: Tommy Alexander, Gary Noble, Chris Newman (capt), Richard Mantell, Richard Springham, Dan Shingles, Timmy Atkins, Jack Clee, Andy Watts, Tom Carson, Will Carter-Keall, Steve Campbell.

​READING first team player Jack Whelan has been honoured by the Hockey Writers’ Club.

He was one of the joint winners of the junior boys (16 and under) award sponsored by the Higgins Group,

A pupil at RGS High Wycombe, he plays for the England under-16 team and captained them against Ulster and Belgium. Jack scored for Reading in this season’s NOW: Pensions League matches against Beeston and Hampstead & Westminster.

He shared the HWC award with Ollie Rogerson of Repton School and Beeston HC​.