Reading boss Ruben Selles has hinted that he will make use of his squad for tonight's EFL Trophy visit of West Ham United.

The Royals picked up a dominant 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday and have put in solid performances against Birmingham City and Colchester United this month.

However, currently, the only club in the country yet to make a transfer due to EFL restrictions, the squad is looking thin as August rages on.

The Bristol Street Motors Trophy- often used by sides to blood young players- sees the Hammers bring their Under-21s team to Berkshire.

"We will approach it as usual; we have a group of young players who are energetic and working hard in the league, making good appearances against Birmingham and today [Wigan]," Selles said when quizzed on team selection.

"There is a group of players pushing them so when something happens, like Harvey Knibbs today, Charlie Savage is ready to step on the pitch and make a performance that is as good as any other in the line-up.

"We are pushing the boys coming from the Academy, so they are ready to make the step. The cup is a good moment to give minutes to them but be competitive and try to win the game."

Last season, the Royals cruised through the group phase scoring a record 19 goals, including a 9-0 drubbing of Exeter City.

Cheltenham Town and Newport County make up the group this season.