Reading YMCA 1st team manager, Mark Lemm, is confident of having a fully fit squad to pick from after Xmas with several long term injury victims close to a return.

Lemm said "We have alot of tough games after Xmas so it will be fantastic to have a fully fit squad to pick from and there will be plenty of competition for places.

We've been pretty lucky with injuries this season though and I've been able to pick strong squads for virtually every game so I can't complain."

Midfielder Chris Lemm has been out since February with a broken leg but has now been back in training for 6 weeks and is on schedule to make his comeback in January.

"Chris has made great progress and has been looking really sharp in training.  It's been tough for him, especially seeing us get to the Madejski last year and not being able to play a part but he is a big player for us and it will be great to have him back" said Lemm.

Skipper Tim Sidwell also made his return to training this week after missing YM's last 3 games with an ankle injury.  Sidwell is actually due to make his playing comeback in Saturday's Reading League Rep game and, if he comes through that test, should be available for selection for next week's game against Berks County Sports.

Long term casulties Lee Worth, Scott Smith and Tim Morrison are also due to return in January.  Worth has been missing for almost 6 weeks with a hamstring pull, Smith damaged knee ligaments back in September and Morrison has been struggling to shake off an ankle knock for several weeks.

Lemm said "All 3 players have Senior Division experience and will be pushing for 1st team spots once they are up to speed.  With all these players back we could probably field 2 sides that could hold their own in the Senior and the challenge for me will be to keep all these players happy."