Charlie Adam could face his old club Stoke but Ryan Shawcross is set to miss out for the hosts.

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross could be absent for Saturday’s visit of Reading in the Sky Bet Championship.

The one-time England international made his return from a broken leg on Tuesday in the 3-0 win over Luton, but had to be withdrawn after 16 minutes.

Boss Michael O’Neill was hopeful the groin injury was not too serious, but Shawcross is unlikely to start the clash with the Royals.

Fellow defender Cameron Carter-Vickers (illness) and Badou Ndiaye (virus) missed the midweek win and will need to be checked.

Charlie Adam will hope to appear against his former club, after starting Reading’s 1-1 draw at Barnsley on Wednesday.

Boss Mark Bowen was giving little away when discussing the matter following the midweek encounter, but will definitely be missing John Swift due to a hamstring injury.

Full-back Andy Yiadom (knee) sat out the clash with Barnsley, but midfielder Ovie Ejaria was able to return after a groin injury.

He should feature against Stoke in what will be an important fixture, with the two clubs just five points apart in the bottom half of the table.