Reading vs Crystal Palace: Alan Pardew says Brian McDermott will be his one friend on Madjeski return

Pardew walked out of the manager's role at Reading in 2003 to take over at West Ham United

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew looks on disappointed during his side's defeat (Getty Images)

Alan Pardew will be greeted by at least one friend when he turns up at Reading tonight for Crystal Palace’s FA Cup sixth-round tie. The Palace manager is used to the frosty reception he receives at the Madejski Stadium following his walk-out in 2003 to take over as manager of West Ham.

However, Pardew has revealed the pleasure he took from Brian McDermott’s recent return as Reading manager for a second spell in December. While Pardew was in charge of Reading he appointed McDermott as chief scout and counts him as a close friend.

“I was so pleased he got the job back at Reading because he knows the club and understands what it takes to get out of the Championship,” said Pardew. “They’ve made a really first-class appointment. I expect they’ll be pushing to get back in the Premier League next year. The play-offs are probably a step too far so the Cup is everything for them and us as well. It will make for a really tense game.”

He added: “I’ve never had a great reception but that’s pretty understandable, the way I left. But I’ve seen [Reading chairman] John Madejski and the board and shook hands and put it behind us.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Brian and a few old friends at Reading. If we get beaten, I know what the club are going through and that’ll be the only consolation.”

However, Pardew will be looking to extend Palace’s Cup run which has already seen them eliminate Southampton, Stoke and Tottenham, to take the pressure off the team’s Premier League position where they are without a win since 19 December.

Palace have goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and striker Jason Puncheon back from injury for tonight’s fixture, and after Alex McCarthy’s costly mistake in Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool, the former is expected to start.

Striker Marouane Chamakh has, however, been ruled out with an adductor injury, which could end his season and put his future at the club into doubt, as his contract expires in the summer.

“Chamakh tore his adductor in a reserve game on Monday and it’s a terrible injury for him,” Pardew said. “He’s been struggling with injuries and it’s such a shame. But Puncheon is available and that’s a big boost. We’ve really missed him in terms of his control of possession and league experience.”