International call-ups worry Reading boss

When the former England international took over at the Madejski Stadium in October 2003 he inherited a side that was doing well in English football's second tier with an array of mostly home-grown journeymen.

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Now his task is to try to emulate last season's successful first top-flight campaign with a cosmopolitan squad of internationals from six continents - 10 of whom will be off to play for their respective countries as soon as tomorrow's visit from Everton is over.

Most are in Europe. But Ulises de la Cruz is off to Quito, while fellow defender Andre Bikey must go all the way to Japan and back because Cameroon have arranged a friendly there.

Coppell said: "It is the first time we have had double figures away.

"It is an indication of our progress but a worrying time for me because we are going to depend on them on the Saturday afterwards.

"Nicky Shorey is the only one not travelling, and that is demanding. The time difference, that's a big thing. Tokyo is a hell of a way."

Shorey's inclusion in Steve McClaren's England squad to take on Germany in a Wembley friendly next week poses a problem of a different nature - in case spending time with so many superstar big earners makes the left-back contemplate life at a more high-profile club.

Coppell insists there have been no bids so far for a player who still has two years of his current deal to run but has already rejected an extension offer.

He admitted: "England has affected Nicky in two ways. It has added to his confidence - but also he has rubbed shoulders with the big boys, and I am sure it has made him think during the summer. The conclusion he has obviously come to is that he would like to be a bit more free."

Coppell's most immediate concern, however, is how to record Reading's first victory of the season against a side currently topping the Barclays Premier League table with a 100% record following victories over Wigan and Spurs.

He said: "At the moment they are the best 'team'. They are top of the table - and in the two games they have had they were very, very good.

"They have good players who have obviously been prepared well in the summer and are looking forward to the campaign. They were sixth last season, which was a great achievement, and they will be looking onwards and upwards to break into that elite group of teams."

Coppell will be without six senior players through injury or suspension, with Michael Duberry having suffered a groin injury in the midweek defeat by Chelsea in which debutant Kalifa Cisse was sent off.

Striker Dave Kitson is also banned following his red card at Manchester United - and Leroy Lita, Glen Little and Ibrahima Sonko are not yet ready for returns from injury.

Winger Bobby Convey is desperate for a first taste of action since a knee operation in March and is also one of the 10 bound for international duty - because USA have a friendly with Sweden next week.