Jones concern for Iron

Jones: Injury doubt

Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins has revealed that Rob Jones is doubtful for the Championship-opener against Reading.

The 30-year-old former Hibernian centre-back was replaced in the early stages of the friendly victory over Huddersfield due to a groin problem.

He could now miss Saturday's clash at the Madejski Stadium, with Adkins admitting it would be a blow to start the season without a player who has looked sharp in training.

"That's a concern for us," Adkins told The Iron Player. "He's had a great pre-season in my eyes. He has come back and he's fit and strong.

"He came off after 10 minutes complaining of discomfort on the inside of his groin.

"We will have to see how that is. Hopefully it's not too serious but you can never tell.

"We got the treatment to him straight away and will assess him through the course of the week."

Adkins expects captain Cliff Byrne to shake off a knock in time to face the Royals, although Eddie Nolan (ankle) is set to miss out.