---
title: "Royals Boss Coy Over Lack of Minutes for Lewis Gibson"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/lewis-gibson-reading-stoke-paunovic/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2020-11-06T10:30:39Z"
modified: "2020-11-06T10:30:39Z"
---

# Royals Boss Coy Over Lack of Minutes for Lewis Gibson

The short-term future of Everton loanee [Lewis Gibson](https://readeverton.com/2020/02/14/rangers-prepare-summer-move-for-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](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1839178/gibson-joins-reading-on-season-long-loan) over the summer, Gibson is [yet to feature for Paunovic’s side](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/lewis-gibson/leistungsdaten/spieler/419325), as the manager has typically preferred a centre-back pairing of [Liam Moore and Michael Morrison](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-reading/leistungsdaten/verein/1032).

Moore sustained an [injury last Friday](https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-manager-veljko-paunovic-19230004) 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](https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-manager-veljko-paunovic-19230004) against Preston in the following fixture.

The academy product had a difficult game, conceding a penalty and was [arguably at fault](https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paunovic-reading-press-conference-live-19222770) 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](https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-manager-veljko-paunovic-19230004):

> “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 \[as a sub\].”

### Read Everton Verdict

Having lurked on the bench as an unused substitute for the [last eight games](https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-manager-veljko-paunovic-19230004), 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.