JAY McEveley is pushing for a recall to the Derby County team to face Reading today.

McEveley, wearing a mask to protect his fractured cheekbone, played an hour for the Reserves in Tuesday's goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday.

Now he could replace Dean Moxey at left-back when the Royals visit Pride Park Stadium.

"Jay is certainly in with a shout," said manager Nigel Clough, who says he is considering giving Moxey a rest.

Moxey has not missed a minute of Derby's 18 matches in the Championship and Carling Cup since signing from Exeter City in the summer.

McEveley was expected to be first-choice left-back but Moxey's form pre-season won him the nod.

The 23-year-old is tasting Championship football for the first time in his career. He has acquitted himself well but has been caught out defensively at times.

"It's just whether or not we give Dean a rest. He has done very well but it might be time for him to come out for a couple of games to give him a breather," said Clough.

"We will assess it in the build-up to the Reading game.

"We anticipated Jay starting the season. He was our first-choice left-back but Dean came in and did very well pre-season and he is probably further ahead than we expected him to be at this stage."

McEveley has made only three starts this season – two on the left side of midfield against Scunthorpe United and Middlesbrough, and the other at centre half when he scored in the 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

He has made six other appearances as a substitute.

Miles Addison is also in Clough's plans for the Reading game.

The defender played for the Reserves this week but if he is included against Reading it is more likely to be in midfield than at centre-back, where Shaun Barker and Dean Leacock are looking to develop a partnership.

"Miles is also in contention," said Clough.

"He was not due to train until Friday. That is the stage he is at with his foot and we still have to be a little bit cautious with him."

Addison's last start was in the defeat by Crystal Palace in mid-September.

He then sat out six matches with a foot problem.