Reading FC summer signing ‘needs to get up to speed’.

Reading Summer Signing Matt Ritchie should be ready to play following the international break. The 35-year-old signed a two-year contract with Portsmouth last week after making 41 appearances last season, scoring five goals in the Championship for his hometown club.

Ritchie spoke to supporters in hospitality during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Port Vale, the club’s first of the season.

While Noel Hunt was sent off in the second half and was unable to speak with the media after the game, coach Mikele Leigertwood revealed that Ritchie still needs fitness sessions.

“Matt needs to catch up a little bit,” Leigertwood explained. “He’s a fit lad so over this period, with the Northampton game not being on, we will give him some good sessions and hopefully get him up to speed for when that next game comes around.”

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, a forward, was also left out. Ehibhatiomhan, who has one goal this season, the second in a 2-1 Carabao Cup win against Portsmouth, was injured during last month’s 2-1 defeat to AFC Wimbledon.

He will miss this evening’s Vertu Trophy match against Swindon Town, as well as a probable reunion with brother Princewell, who transferred to the County Ground from Southampton, but is likely to return after the international break.” Kelvin is out on the grass progressing well so we will see how he goes over the next couple of weeks.”

Reading return to League One action on September 13 at Barnsley, with this Saturday’s game postponed owing to international call-ups in the Northampton Town squad.

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