The short-term future of Everton loanee Lewis Gibson hangs in the balance as Reading manager Veljko Paunovic has revealed little as to whether he will be drafted into action this weekend against Stoke City.
Having joined on loan from the Toffees over the summer, Gibson is yet to feature for Paunovic’s side, as the manager has typically preferred a centre-back pairing of Liam Moore and Michael Morrison.
Moore sustained an injury last Friday against Coventry City, but in a move which should alarm Everton fans, their loanee was snubbed in favour of Royals academy product Tom McIntyre – who then endured a torrid time against Preston in the following fixture.
The academy product had a difficult game, conceding a penalty and was arguably at fault for another goal – leading for calls for Gibson to be given his Championship chance.
When quizzed as to the odds of Paunovic offering Gibson a chance, he remained coy, although he did concede that he understood why there are calls for Gibson to start against Stoke, saying:
“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].”
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Having lurked on the bench as an unused substitute for the last eight games, Gibson’s chance needs to come sooner rather than later – or his development risks suffering.
In a consolation to Toffees fans, there is a fair chance he will start against Stoke. Paunovic is clearly open to him starting, though a prolonged period as a peripheral figure may lead to him being recalled from loan.
