Following the 1-1 draw at the City Ground, Mark Bowen previewed Reading’s upcoming FA Cup tie against Cardiff on Saturday.

The Royals will be looking to avoid defeat on Saturday; having gone two games without a win, they will be keen to ensure that the Millwall game was just a blip and get back on track at the Madejski.

Bowen confessed his admiration for the Cup, admitting he, like ‘everyone’, loves a cup run and is eager to progress to the next round on Saturday.

“Any game we play we always want to win it, so I’ll be picking the team accordingly. Perhaps it might not be as many changes as before but I’ll pick the side that I believe can go and win the game against Cardiff because like our supporters, everybody loves a cup run and I’m no different.

“The fans want to see the team win first and foremost. The longer we stay in there [FA Cup] it gives everybody a lift and everyone has got one eye on the next round of the cup as the season goes on.”

When asked about playing Cardiff twice in the space of one week Bowen compared it to the Nottingham Forest situation, saying:

“It was quite nice to know a little bit more about their strengths. I don’t think it will have too much of an effect on us in terms of being worried (about Cardiff).”

Bowen hinted that he wants to get the job done on Saturday in order to avoid another replay, with the Royals set for a busy February as it is.

“The cups a good thing but whether it’s Cardiff, whether it’s us or a lower league team like when we played Blackpool, they didn’t want a replay against us because it impinged on their fight for promotion.”

Finally, Bowen confirmed that Sone Aluko will be involved on the weekend and will not be leaving the club this January as he is part of his plans.

“I can definitely tell you know Aluko will be involved against Cardiff on Saturday. I’ve promised him that already, he’s working hard in training, waiting for the opportunity again to show us what he can do.”

In other team news Bowen confirmed Yakou Meite will begin training with the team again on Friday, following a family bereavement, and will be available for selection this weekend. Unfortunately Andy Yiadom will not be fit for this weekend’s game, but is likely to start light training with the squad again next week.