Reading boss Brian McDermott confident of causing cup upset against Crystal Palace 

Brian McDermott is confident Reading can pull off another shock and reach a second successive FA Cup semi-final.

The Championship Royals, then managed by Steve Clarke, made it to Wembley last season where they suffered the heartbreak of defeat by Arsenal after extra time.

Standing in their way this time are Crystal Palace, managed by former Madejski Stadium boss Alan Pardew.

Manager Brian McDermott is confident Reading can pull off another shock and reach Wembley

Former Reading manager Alan Pardew returns to the Madjeski with his Crystal Palace side on Sunday

The Royals have already beaten Premier League opposition in the shape of West Brom on their way to the quarter-final, and McDermott insists they can shrug off their indifferent league form and spring another surprise.

'West Brom was a different game but we have confidence as a squad,' said McDermott, who returned for a second spell in charge of the club in December.

'We are looking forward to the occasion, a sell-out Madejski Stadium on a Friday night. We always love playing there, especially in the evening.

The Royals have already beaten Premier League opposition in the cup and will hope Matej Vydra is fit

Reading winger Hal Robson-Kanu is also closing in on a return to action and could feature in the clash

'It will be a special atmosphere. Palace will have a big following so it should be a top-class quarter-final. We need to play well, to play at the top of our game. 

'It's all about the performance. If everyone plays at the top of their game we have an opportunity. We've done our homework and we will concentrate on ourselves and our performance.'

McDermott hopes to welcome back captain Paul McShane, winger Hal Robson-Kanu and striker Matej Vydra from injury for the clash.