Reading caretaker boss Eamonn Dolan is simply concentrating on this weekend's trip to Manchester United. "It's been a difficult week for everybody," he said.

"The players were on the floor at the start of the week.

"The owner has asked me to take the team on Saturday. That's my only thought. That's the honest answer."

Dolan denied Zingarevich would play a part in picking the team for this weekend's trip to Old Trafford - albeit after a long pause - adding: "Obviously not. He's asked me to pick the team.

"He's talked to me about the team and trying to get a result - genuinely that is all he has said.

"I'm excited about going to Old Trafford. Really excited about that."

Dolan has been in regular contact with McDermott since he was axed and revealed the former boss had a simple message for the squad ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

"Brian is a great friend of mine. I've spoken to him each day," he said.

"He's a great man. All he has said is: 'Good luck, get a result'.

"All he wants is for Reading to get a result."