Reading 0 - 2 Burnley

Reading v Burnley: Preview

Updated: May 11, 2009, 3:59 PM UK

Burnley manager Owen Coyle is hoping that a trio of players will be passed fit for the second leg of the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final at Reading.

Winger Wade Elliott missed Saturday's 1-0 win over the Royals due to a leg injury sustained in the final-day victory over Bristol City.

Joey Gudjonsson took Elliott's place against Reading but he was the victim of a heavy challenge by Michael Duberry and was substituted midway through the first half.

The other concern for Coyle is playmaker Chris Eagles, who jarred his hip on Saturday and was replaced in the second half.

All three men will be assessed as the Clarets seek to book their place in the play-off final at Wembley on May 25.

Burnley veteran Graham Alexander is remaining cautious ahead of the trip to Reading.

The veteran Scot, 37, has proved a key figure for the Clarets during their marathon campaign and registered his 11th goal of the season in Saturday's 1-0 first-leg win.

Alexander's penalty means Burnley will travel to Berkshire with a precious advantage but the former Preston man is refusing to rest on his laurels.

"Nothing's settled in the first leg and we've got a job to do,'' he said.

"We know it's going to be tough because Reading are going to come at us. They're a quality team, especially going forward.

"We're going to have our work cut out but hopefully we can take the game to them as well because we've got a lot of attacking options.''

Reading manager Steve Coppell will be without defender Andre Bikey for the play-off semi-final second leg with Burnley.

The Cameroon international begins a four-game ban which will stretch into next season after being sent-off for the second time this season for a stamp on Robbie Blake at Turf Moor.

Coppell must choose whether to go with youngster Alex Pearce alongside Michael Duberry or switch Kalifa Cisse from his usual midfield role to centre-back.

Top scorer Kevin Doyle could also miss out after he picked up an Achilles problem in the weekend's first leg so Dave Kitson is on standby to start.

Former Burnley winger Glen Little is available after recovering from a hamstring problem and he could feature.

However James Harper (groin), Chris Armstrong (knee) and Leroy Lita (foot) are all out but could be fit for the final should the Royals end their eight-game winless run at home and overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Centre-half Bikey has apologised for his actions after his sending off on Saturday.

He was dismissed for a stamp on Robbie Blake and compounded matters by refusing to leave the pitch and throwing his shirt on the ground.

He told the club's official website: "I was frustrated after the penalty and I was being fouled, but my reaction was bad.

"I know I should not have behaved like that, it was wrong.

"I also say sorry to the manager and my teammates because now I can't help them in the second leg.

"I understand that I was wrong and I will learn not to act like this again.''