Reading In The Cup

Shaka Hislop faces a return to his former club after the Hammers were drawn away to second division Reading in the Worthington Cup second round.

Shaka began his career in England with the Royals in 1993 before earning a big-money move to Newcastle United two years later.

The game will also see Reading assistant manager Martin Allen welcome his old club to Elm Park, while former Hammers defender Adrian Whitbread is likely to be in action for the hosts.

And to take the connection between the clubs even further, head physiotherapist John Fearn will be in the dug-out for the Royals after leaving Upton Park in the summer.

The match is due to be played on Tuesday, September 11 or Wednesday, September 12, with confirmation of the date to be announced later this week.