Ibrahima Sonko come through his first 90 minutes since his injury in January, this is a reserve match with Derby, and he looked impressive.
It may have only been a reserve game but he kept Derby strikers Rob Earnshaw and Jonathan Macken very quiet as he put in an impressive showing under the watchful eye of manager Steve Coppell.
Sonko is in no hurry to come back too soon, and is just to be back playing again, and the more he does the better he feels as he told readingfc.co.uk, “It was good for me, really worth it today. At some points in the game you always think you are getting tired, but I was surprised by how well I felt today.
“I’m feeling better and better, so hopefully things will continue to improve from now.
“I’m following the gradual steps to coming back and the programme the coaching staff want me to follow.
“If they want me to play in more reserve games that will be fine. I’m not in a rush to come back, as I say the team is strong enough.
“It was a very, very good test for me and I’m happy with it.
‘The more I play the better I’m getting. And with the training I’m feeling sharper. You can see it in the game. I’m feeling more confident and going for my challenges.”
After the 7-4 defeat to Portsmouth at the weekend it would be easy for him to be rushed back into the team, but this is not something that he is looking for, or even wants as he is happy to let others carry on to make amends, not to mention getting back when he is ready, and not too soon, “I hope the result on Saturday won’t mean I’m back before I would have been otherwise. I hope the gaffer will stick with the team,” Sonko also told readingfc.co.uk.
“They have done well for a long time and I’m sure they all want to put it right. I know they’re all upset and none of them are happy.
“They need to be given a chance to put it right. I still need time; I’m not rushing into anything. When I’m ready I think the gaffer will know.
“That’s the best thing to do, stick with the team and you will see a great reaction from the lads.”
He can’t be rushed back, but I don’t think that it will be too long before we do see him again in the first team picture.
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Maybe this weekend is too soon for him afterall then?
Get him in!
I would like to see him but I think it is too soon, and if Coppell thinks it is then it must be.
He’s in the squad to face Derby, get in there Sonks!
I will say this again, yes he is back in the squad, but don’t expect him to play though.