PHOTO: Rob Jones is replaced by Andrew Wright early in the win over Huddersfield Town because of a groin injury.

Iron manager Nigel Adkins admits defender Rob Jones is an early doubt for next weekend's season opener with Reading.

The former Hibernian centre-back was substituted early in the first half of Saturday's pre-season friendly win over Huddersfield Town with a groin problem.

The boss is hopeful that the 30-year-old will be fit for the game at the Madejski Stadium though.

"That's a concern for us," he told The Iron Player.

"He's had a great pre-season in my eyes. He's come back and he's fit and strong.

"He came off after 10 minutes complaining of discomfort on the inside of his groin.

"We will have to see how that is. Hopefully it's not too serious but you can never tell.

"We got the treatment in to him straight away and will assess him through the course of the week."

Captain Cliff Byrne wasn't involved on Saturday but Adkins is confident he will be available for the start of the season.

"Cliff Byrne picked up an injury in training on Thursday," the boss continued.

"He collided with Garry Thompson and got kneed into the side of his hip.

"I'd like to think that's not too serious though."

Despite his ankle injury at York City in midweek not being as bad as first feared, Eddie Nolan will miss next weekend's fixture.

"Eddie damaged his ankle the other day and won't be fit for the weekend," added Adkins.

"He's due to link up with the Republic of Ireland U21 squad so would have missed the Oldham Carling Cup game anyway.

"So our main aim is to get him ready for the home match with Norwich City.

"He's missed training too so that will play a factor."

See more from Nigel Adkins and Garry Thompson on The Iron Player.

Extended highlights will follow on Saturday night, and there will be video interviews with Jim McNulty and Michael Raynes on Monday morning.