The smart money is on Shaun Goater warming the bench as Reading take on Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road today.

The Bermudian striker, a big money buy during the summer, has been named as a substitute for the last two games, against Sheffield United in the league last Friday and against Huddersfield in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Both games resulted in victories for the Royals and their new boss Steve Coppell, 2-1 over United and 1-0 over Huddersfield.

The plus point as far as Goater is concerned is that he was credited with helping engineer the Cup win over the Terriers. Coming on with 20 minutes to go, the sides were locked at 0-0, but Goater?s presence created an opportunity for strike partner Nicky Forster and he made no mistake with a header seven minutes from time.

The triumph set up a mouthwatering tie in the next round with moneybags Premiership side Chelsea.

Coppell was keeping his cards close to his chest yesterday regarding team selection for today?s trip North, saying only that he had a full squad from which to choose.

However, it is widely believed that he will stick with the 4-5-1 formation employed to such success recently and that means the form man in terms of goals, Forster, will likely plough a lone furrow up front.

Forster, meanwhile, believes, given the opportunity, he could form a successful partnership with Goater.

?It?s been a bit of a frustrating one,? he said on Reading?s official website. ?We?ve not been on the same wavelength at times, but at other times we have had some good moves.?

Forster has scored nine times this season, while Goater has found the back of the net on five occasions, his last a twice-taken penalty in the 3-2 win over Preston.

?We set up a few for the Goat early on . . . against Derby and (Nottingham) Forest,? he said. ?We started well then had a sticky spell when we didn?t link too well. The signs were there again on Tuesday night and it?s just a matter of time.?