Coppell takes time with Lita

Coppell: Changes

Reading manager Steve Coppell insists he has yet to make a decision regarding any possible disciplinary action for Leroy Lita.

The England Under 21 international has been the subject of recent newspaper allegations and he was omitted from the Reading squad for Saturday's 2-1 win over Wigan.

However, Coppell insists the decision was purely based on football reasons and that Lita will feature in a much-changed Reading starting line-up for Tuesday's Carling Cup third round meeting with Liverpool.

"I had been told on Friday lunchtime something might be in the paper but I had already made my decision on Thursday night," said Coppell.

"I haven't spoken to him about it yet and I felt it wasn't the right time to because he is going to be playing on Tuesday. I will have a chat with him in the fullness of time.

Judgement

"I don't know how much substance there is to it. He has not volunteered any information to me and I will ask him about it at some stage but it is not high up on my agenda.

"If it's true it's distasteful for sure. We will make a judgement call but I don't want the threat of disciplinary action hanging over him.

"I want to get the facts first and it will happen in its own time. I'm not going to bust a gut to confront him about it. I will know when the occasion is right."

Coppell has seen his side struggle so far this season after four Premier League defeats from seven games and the Reading boss is hoping for an improved performance against Liverpool.

"I will make seven or eight changes," Coppell added.

"It is a very important game for me for so many reasons, giving people the opportunity to express themselves against what is inevitably going to be a top-quality 'world' team with players from across the globe."