Reading have completed the signing of Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts on loan as well as capturing Brentford centre-back Karleigh Osborne ahead of tomorrow's clash.

Boss Brian McDermott has been handed funds by the club's new owners, Thames Sports Investment, headed up by Russian millionaire Anton Zingarevich. McDermott and chairman Sir John Madejski met Zingarevich in Milan last week where transfer targets were discussed.

Roberts is currently out of favour at Blackburn, but would bring power, pace and experience to Reading's strike force. And McDermott believes the 33-year-old still has the hunger to score the goals needed to fire Reading to promotion.

Osborne, aged 23, is out of contract in the summer and Brentford are hoping to receive around £300,000 for him. Royals have also been linked with a move for Doncaster Rovers' star striker Billy Sharp.

With Reading defender Sean Morrison joining Huddersfield on loan, a move for Osborne could be finalised before the weekend.

McDermott said: "With Sean going out on loan, there is a possibility that we might bring in someone like Karleigh Osborne to cover."

He added: "We have to maintain the team dynamic here, which has been a huge reason behind our success, and I will only bring in players who enhance the group as players and people."

Reading are expected to still be without influential midfielder Mikele Leigertwood and winger Jobi McAnuff. Both are injured and Jay Tabb and Jem Karacan will again deputise.