Pavel Pogrebnyak still in Nigel Adkins's plans

Reading manager Nigel Adkins has hinted that he will use Pavel Pogrebnyak if the striker has not secured a move away before the close of the transfer window.

The 29-year-old has revealed that he does not want to be playing Championship football and has admitted his interest in a return to his native Russia.

While Pogrebnyak has only featured for seven minutes of Reading's campaign so far, Adkins has suggested that should the powerful forward stay with the Royals, he would have a role to play.

"Pav is in a situation where he hasn't started the opening two games of the season," Adkins told the Reading Post.

"He's used to being in the Premier League, that's where he wants to be. But he's still with us and that's going to be the case until we're told otherwise.

"If something happens or materialises, as with all of the players, then you cross that bridge when you come to it."

Pogrebnyak scored five Premier League goals for the Royals last season, but could not prevent them from being relegated to the second tier.