Fear that Reading?s supporters may turn on him and the arrival of two new players will help Shaun Goater return to the goal trail, the big striker says.

Goater would be the first to admit that he has yet to fulfil his potential at the Madejski Stadium, but today could see him set about achieving that aim as he returns to the first time after a lengthy injury lay-off.

The 33-year-old has recovered from knee surgery and, although he has not had any reserve games in which to test his fitness, he is expected to make the team for the FA Cup tie at Preston.

With recent signings Dave Kitson and Lloyd Owusu both cup-tied, Goater, is set for his first start since Reading lost 1-0 at home to Walsall on October 21.

He told the : ?Reputations guarantee you nothing, trust me, especially with new signings coming here.

?The same will go for (strike partner) Fozzy (Nicky Forster). There are no guarantees for anyone that they are in the team.

?All of us will want to play and this competition can only be good for Reading and good for us.

?In my experiences things can become too comfortable and when they do that?s when your form can suffer. It has happened to me in the past, but that?s not the case here. You only realise it?s happening when the fans get on at you.

?I?ve experienced it at other clubs and when it does happen there are normally two main reasons why you raise your standards ? fans getting on at you and new players arriving to give extra competition.?

Ironically, Goater?s last goal was against Preston in the league when he netted from the penalty spot in a 3-2 victory at Madejski Stadium on October 18.

But now he looks to be over his injury problems and is raring to get back on the goal trail.

?The knee is okay and that is thanks to (physio) Jon Fearn and his medical team,? he said. ?Recently I was the only one injured and I just want to get back.

?The training has been competitive, especially with new players coming in. The tempo has risen and things are looking healthy, but ideally I would have liked a reserve game.

?Matches are what get you fit, but I want to play against Preston if selected. Hopefully I can kick on now and get myself goals. Goals breed confidence for strikers.

?Your performance levels do drop if you don?t score. My last goal was against Preston so hopefully that?s a good omen.?