The Scottish winger went hiding for long periods of the game. He would get himself into positions were it was impossible to get the ball to him, and does not defend or tackle.
The inspirational Graham Kavanagh was forced to give him a verbal forray mid-way through the second half, but still he blamed others around him.
Instead put Jimmy Bullard out there. He may not be a right winger but he offers more in the way of right wing play that Gary Teale ever will.
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Bullard has a good range of passing and can provide good crosses for players such as McCulloch coming in from the left, and attacking the far post.
Lee McCulloch would keep his place on the left hand side of midfield after a dangerous performance against Preston.
The Scottish striker-cum-winger looked a threat from set-pieces all game at Deepdale and did get the Latics goal from a header.
A central midfield duo of Alan Mahon and Graham Kavanagh would be impressive. Both players have good technique and are comfortable in possession, with the ability to break down a stubborn defence.
Kavanagh would cover the defensive midfield giving the attack minded Mahon the freedom to cause problems to the Royals defence.
In recent games, especially at home, teams have come to defend and go away with a draw. Although Reading will be coming for all three points, the Latics will be up against another stubborn defence.
In the past, too many direct passes have been made in the direction of the deadly duo up front and the game has become predictable and easy to defend against. The Q.P.R. game springs to mind immediately.
Instead, with players who have the ball playing skills of Mahon, Kavanagh and Bullard, the Latics are more than capable of keeping possession and spying their moment to kill the Royals off this weekend.
Manager Paul Jewell must put aside whatever problems he has with the Irish midfielder and give him the chance to shoot the Latics into the Premiership.
Up the Latics!