READING boss Brian McDermott has confirmed that he will field a side at Swindon today that he also plans to name in their Championship opener next week.

The two sides meet for the first time in five years in what will be the first of a number of derby matches in quick succession for the Robins.

After brushing aside inferior opposition in pre-season so far, the Town will players will be given a far more difficult test against a Reading side who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season.

Captained by Jobi McAnuff and able to boast the talents of Shane Long and Ian Harte in their ranks, today’s game will provide a fair indication of whether Town can truly describe themselves as promotion contenders for the coming campaign.

“We have a few good local games in the Championship but none of them are proper derby matches - I do love a good derby match,” said McDermott.

“I don’t think they are ever a distraction for you as a manager and I love being involved in them, the fans love them too. We haven’t got one, but we’ll have one on Saturday.

“This is the last game, so the team I pick will be more or less the same team I’ll put out the opening day of the season against Millwall. I think it’s important we just get cracking on with the season, and we’re looking forward to it.”

McDermott is particularly relishing pitting his wits against Paolo Di Canio, who he believes has every chance of proving a success in management.

“I saw Paolo at a managers meeting on Wednesday and he looked a million dollars,” he added.

“I didn’t introduce myself but I will on Saturday. It’s great that he’s come into managing, and he’s a great character.”

Simon Church and Mikele Leigertwood are set to miss out but Reading’s latest recruit Bongani Khumalo is likely to play against Town.

The South Africa international has joined the Royals on a season-long loan from Tottenham.

“He’s got a really great character, and he’s right up our street, as far as that’s concerned,” continued McDermott.

“He’s a good centre half and he knows what he’s doing. He’s willing to learn and every person I’ve spoken to in the game have spoken very highly of him.”