IT'S always nice to have a break - but I bet everyone connected with Rovers can't wait to get back down to business.

Mark Hughes' men signed off before the international break with a great win over Birmingham - a win that took them into the top six - and this weekend's game is one they will expect to win.

Reading came in to the Premier League last season and took it by storm. But you get the impression they have been found out a bit this season and people know what they are about.

Steve Coppell has a hard-working side there but I expect Rovers to have too much firepower for them.

And on the subject of firepower, I'm just hoping the injury problems that are plaguing Roque Santa Cruz at the moment aren't too serious.

The big Paraguayan striker has been a revelation since joining Rovers in the summer.

He's a tall guy, he's good in the air, possesses great technique on the deck and has weighed in with some good goals.

But, thankfully, Rovers are well covered in that position so if Roque has to miss a few games then we have the likes of Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts and Matty Derbyshire who can all do a job.

It was great to see Benni back to his old self against Birmingham. This guy is a genuine goalscorer who has bags of ability.

It appeared he was somewhat put out with Roque coming into the club and taking the limelight from him.

But he seems to have got over his case of the sulks and showed what he can do against the Blues.

If Roque doesn't make it back, I'm sure Benni will enjoy being the lead striker again.

The strength that Rovers have up front reminds me of the strikers we had in the Championship season.

We had two main goalscorers in Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, with myself and Mike Newell chipping with a few goals here and there.

And that's what I see in this current squad.

Benni has proved that he can compete with the best in the Premier League strikers and he will get goals.

Roque isn't an out-and-out goalscorer but will create chances for other people as well as weighing in with the his share of goals.

And Jason and Matty will chip in when they get their chance.

Mark has a great mix of players, in all positions, and he will want them to be challenging for a trophy this season.

Going out of the UEFA Cup was unfortunate but that might be a blessing in disguise if we are to make a challenge for one of the domestic trophies.

Rovers fans would love a trip to the new Wembley. Here's hoping.