Reading boss Brian McDermott says Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell is still regarded highly at the Madejski stadium.

Sidwell is still afforded hero status at Reading where he scored 30 goals from midfield in a four-year spell before leaving to join Jose Mourinho's Chelsea on a free transfer.

Ahead of today's FA Cup tie, McDermott said: "Steve Sidwell could well start and everyone at Reading will only speak highly of him.

"He left the club on a Bosman but his attitude that season was first class.

"He was always available for selection and never pulled out of any tackles. He was 100% committed in every game up until the day he left and we look forward to seeing him on Sunday."