Jimmy Kebe has dismissed speculation that he has refused to play for Reading.

It had been claimed that the 29-year-old had decided not to turn out for the Royals against Peterborough United last night amid reports that he was wanted by Crystal Palace.

However, the Mali international has insisted that he has picked up a hamstring injury and would never consider going on strike.

"I felt my hamstring tweak on Monday and felt it better not to risk it," he told BBC Sport. "I've been fit for two weeks but the manager did not pick me.

"I trained on Saturday and felt my hamstring tweak on Monday. I told him early that it is better for me to stay calm for a few days. We need some points in the league and felt Saturday was more important than Tuesday. There is no big story. There are lots of things going on but I am available for the manager. It's up to him. I will never refuse to train or play."

The 29-year-old joined Reading from Lens in 2008.