BURTON Albion boss Gary Rowett is set to run the rule over former Reading striker Brett Williams as the Brewers continue their pre-season preparations at Ilkeston Town tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.
Southampton-born Williams joined Reading for £50,000 on an 18-month deal from Blue Square Bet South side Eastleigh in January 2011.
However, he spent last season out on loan to Albion’s League Two rivals Rotherham United and Northampton Town, featuring for the Cobblers when they beat the Brewers 1-0 at the Pirelli Stadium in March.
The 24-year-old 6ft 2ins striker scored twice in nine league outings for the Millers and three times in eight starts and 10 substitute appearances for Northampton.
Rowett said last night: “There might be one or two new triallists involved tomorrow.
“Brett Williams, who was on loan at Rotherham and Northampton from Reading last season, is one who we will be taking a look at.”
Despite having the likes of Calvin Zola, Billy Kee, Justin Richards and Adi Yussuf in his squad, Rowett hinted last week that he was still in the market for another striker.
Kee will again be missing tonight as he continues to build up his fitness following two operations on a groin injury which cut short his 2011/12 season, but Rowett is pleased with how the former Torquay United striker is progressing.
“Billy did 45 minutes training today and it was a positive session for him. It was good to see him back involved.
“He will not be involved at Ilkeston, but by the time of the Leicester and Walsall friendlies, we hope he will not be too far away.
“He was in every day over the summer, which shows his dedication, and it is just a case of building him up gradually.
“The important thing is that we get him fit for August 11 or 18.”
Another striker who will be missing at the New Manor Ground is Calvin Zola, who picked up a slight injury in the 2-1 Pirelli Stadium defeat by Aston Villa.
Left-back Aaron Webster is in a similar position, but Rowett said: “They are doing rahab work and we will see how they progress, but we could have them back in training by the end of the week.”
Rowett, meanwhile, is looking for his players to step it up in their third outing of pre-season.
He said: “We have had two games in which everyone got two 45 minutes in.
“We had a practice match on Friday in which all the players played 55 minutes, so now we are looking to get some players 60 minutes or maybe more.
“We want to increase their game time and build bits of everything up - fitness and team shape.”
As well as Williams, Rowett will take another look at former Leicester City full-back Robbie Nielsen.
