Reading manager Veljko Paunovic is remaining tight-lipped over a potential debut for Everton loanee Lewis Gibson.
The promising young Blues centre-back completed a temporary switch to the Royals in the summer, having impressed during his spell in League One with Fleetwood Town in the second half of the previous campaign.
However, the 20-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the Championship side, being an unused substitute on eight occasions in the league so far.
An injury to usual starting central defender Michael Morrison opened up a potential opportunity recently, but Reading academy graduate Tom McIntyre stepped up instead.
Some mistakes from the youngster have reportedly led to calls for Gibson to start instead, but Paunovic remained tight-lipped when asked about the prospect.
He told BerkshireLive : "There is no temptation in football but I understand the point.
"We always evaluate on a daily basis - especially in these kinds of situations where players are having opportunities.
"I want to make clear when somebody is injured and a spot opens, it’s an opportunity but that doesn’t mean somebody earned it.
"With that said, the level in training and the level in games has to be proven when you have an opportunity and that’s what we’re looking for.
"We will see for Saturday who our best 11 will be and who can help later [as a sub]."
Reading are currently three points clear at the top of the Championship and face 11th-placed Stoke City this weekend.
