Reading legend Graeme Murty has 'taken his hat off' to former teammate Noel Hunt for the work he has done with the Under-21s ahead of this evening's meet.

Murty, who played more than 300 times for the Royals and captained the club into the Premier League for the first time, is Lead Development Coach at Sunderland.

The Black Cats travel to Berkshire this evening for the semi-final of the PL2 play-offs, with the winner travelling to Tottenham Hotspur in the final.

Speaking ahead of the clash, which is open to supporters at the SCL Stadium, the former Rangers boss was full of respect for his former home.

"I’ve already been in touch with their staff- I know Noel," he told Sunderland media. "They’ve had a great season and the things he’s managed to do with that team, given the restrictions he’s been under at the football club and the challenges he’s faced, I think they’ve had an incredible season. Hats off to him, nothing but respect for him and what he’s done, I’m really pleased for him.

"I know the club really well so I’m looking forward to going back. We know it’s going to be a challenge; they beat us earlier in the season."

Reading have beaten Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough on route to the last four, while Sunderland beat West Ham on penalties last week to book their place.

Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday to confirm their final spot, eagerly awaiting the winner this evening.