Paul Cook is set to ring the cup changes again when Reading visit Fratton on Tuesday night - but says he won't put out a team he does not think will be strong enough.

The Pompey boss is keen to give the Royals the sort of the test they gave Derby in the last round, and says he has a strong enough squad to make changes and do that.

Enda Stevens is banned following his red card against Morecambe and other new faces are likely to come into the team.

Cook told portsmouthfc.co.uk: 'We’ve got a very strong squad and a lot of players are chomping at the bit to play. They all think that they should be in the team and I don’t disagree with some of the arguments.

'It’s important that we prepare properly, although we don’t mind saying that the league is very much our priority. That’s where we most want to have our success, although it doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t have success in other competitions.

'As a manager, you’re not going to put a team out on the pitch that you don’t think will be able to do themselves justice.'

Cook describes Reading as a 'quality Championship side' and added: 'When you get two teams who want to engage in the match and play football then it should make for a good contest. We’ve watched some of their matches and they like to pass and move, so it’ll be tough for us.'

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Photo: Action Images

Colchester United Polls