Reading interim manager Paul Ince has expressed his disappointment at last night's opponents Stoke City for not allowing Tom Ince to play against his parent side, speaking to Berkshire Live.
The 30-year-old arrived at the Select Car Leasing Stadium from the Potters in January, being deemed surplus to requirements at the bet365 Stadium despite playing a bigger part than many would have expected him to in Staffordshire during the first half of the season.
Since arriving in Berkshire though, the wide man has been one of the first names on the teamsheet, proving to be a real asset to the Royals with his defensive work and intent going forward impressing many of his loan side's supporters.
However, the hosts still managed to win all three points in Berkshire yesterday evening though, with Junior Hoilett coming in for the Stoke loanee on the right-hand side and providing the assist for the opener as he supplied an inch-perfect ball for Michael Morrison to attack.
The Canadian was replaced in the second half but was one of the standout performers on the night, potentially coming in for Ovie Ejaria in the next game with the latter performing poorly against Michael O'Neill's men.
Despite Hoilett's bright performance though, temporary boss Ince had a few words for his midweek opponents as he expressed his discontent at the fact one of his key players was missing.
The ex-England international said: "It would have been nice if Stoke could have done us a favour because of the situation we are in (allowing Ince to play), compared to what they are in because they're not going up and not going down.
"They refused to do that, which is disappointing, very disappointing but it is what it is.
"Karma is a wonderful thing sometimes."
The Verdict:
Although Ince wants to defend his side's best interests, Stoke have probably won this argument.
Why would they be willing to give the Royals a competitive advantage in any game? The Potters may not have a huge amount to play for, but they would and still will want to push for a spot as close to the top six as possible.
For a side that have endured three underwhelming bottom-half finishes in recent years, a top-half finish this season could be a huge psychological boost and it's these types of games that can make all the difference.
No team is obligated to do another side a favour and it could be argued that the sporting integrity of the second tier would have been compromised if Ince Jr had been allowed to play, potentially putting relegation battlers Barnsley, Derby County and Peterborough United at a disadvantage with the Berkshire outfit still in the drop zone battle at this stage.
They had enough options out wide to cope anyway and it gave Femi Azeez and Tom Dele-Bashiru the opportunity to win more first-team minutes, so it didn't end up affecting the Royals in any shape or form.