JASON Scotland is out of today’s match against high-flying Reading.

The striker has joined Keith Andrews on the sidelines after failing to overcome his own hamstring strain.

We understand Scotland was not among the travelling party that left for Reading yesterday, staying behind in Suffolk to undergo treatment in a bid to get him fit for Monday’s home match against Nottingham Forest.

Town boss Paul Jewell now faces two big decisions in naming his side for the Madejski Stadium.

If he keeps faith in the standard 4-4-2, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas would seem the frontrunner to start up top with club captain Grant Leadbitter and Jimmy Bullard battling it out to partner Lee Bowyer in midfield.

Other options in attack include Nathan Ellington or moving Daryl Murphy alongside Michael Chopra with Josh Carson coming back into contention in midfield.

Another school of thought is to play a 4-5-1 formation incorporating Leadbitter, Bowyer and Bullard – but this might isolate Chopra.

Reece Wabara returns to Manchester City after today’s match but could still grab a place on the bench while Andy Drury could also come back into the manager’s thoughts.

For Reading, the Royals run of five wins from their last six matches has actually come as manager Brian McDermott has had to juggle a few enforced team changes.

But it hasn’t affected his side’s form with the likes of Noel Hunt and Ian Harte expected to only be on the bench today.

At left-back, experienced Andy Griffin is currently keeping Harte out while Adam Le Fondre and Simon Church should be the front pair.

Reading should welcome Hal Robson-Kanu back from injury but the match might come a little too soon for Brynjar

Gunnarsson who has had a calf problem.

They can also now call upon midfielder Brian Howard following his loan spell with Millwall. Full-back Joseph Mills is the only long-term absentee with an ankle problem.