Published: Monday, 7th December, 2009 2:00pm

Cisse recall pays dividends

by Anthony Smith

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KALIFA Cisse cast his frustrations aside to play a major role in Reading's 2-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.

The 25-year-old midfielder last week hinted at a possible move in January due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

But Brian Howard's broken jaw saw Cisse recalled to the starting line-up after missing the previous five games.

The Mali international got the nod ahead of Jem Karacan and Brynjar Gunnarsson and he repaid his manager's faith with Royals' second goal at Hillsborough which all-but secured the victory after Grzegorz Rasiak had opened the scoring.

It was Cisse's first goal of the season and he is certain to keep his place in the team for Tuesday night's clash against Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace at the Madejski Stadium (8pm ko).

"I'm not a regular scorer but when I score I'm very happy," said the £1 million Boavista signing. "I came back into the team for the first time in a month-and-a-half and it felt normal.

"We have a good group of 22 or 23 players and everyone needs to be ready. It's very important because we have a big December coming up, a big month with six games and it's very important for everyone to take advantage of that.

"Some players didn't travel on Saturday but that victory was for everyone. We have two home games coming up in a week now, we have to have fresh players and we have to be ready.

"No games are easy, we're playing at home and we have to win and get a positive result. If we don't do well on Tuesday then the Wednesday result means nothing. We have to keep this dynamic going for the next game."

Rodgers denied any rift with Cisse despite the player's recent comments when he admitted: "I train hard and but I can't say I like this situation."

Cisse has 18 months to run on his current deal and Rodgers insisted: "He was outstanding and got a terrific goal. We needed that wee bit of physicality.

"He is a great guy and I was asked this week if he's unhappy but nobody is in better spirits than him."

Meanwhile, Palace suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat against Doncaster Rovers at the weekend and slipped to 13th while Royals leapfrogged the Owls and now lie 19th.

Rodgers' side have won three and drawn one of their last five games but there are injury concerns over Simon Church, who was forced off during the first-half at Hillsborough with a back problem.

MITCHELL Bryant has re-signed for Basingstoke Town on loan.

The 19-year-old forward, who was once on Manchester United's books, has joined the Blue Square South club initially for a month.

Bryant had a loan spell at the Camrose last season and spent a short time at Woking.