Reading FC striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has admitted that the Sky Bet Championship is one of the toughest leagues in the world he has ever played in.

The Berkshire club currently sit in 17th place in the Sky Bet Championship, having accumulated 37 points from 31 league games.

The Russian striker feels that every game in the league is important from now on to make sure the club maintain their status in the second tier.

Pogrebnyak said to Get Reading: “It’s not been a very good season for us but it could be a good season.

“Nothing is closed at the moment. We’re still playing in the FA Cup.

“I met some fans after a game and they said get to Wembley and this will be the best season.

“It’s a good draw for both teams. For Bradford and for us so we’ll see.”

“The Championship is one of the most difficult leagues where I have played.

Steve Clarke's side have lost their previous two league games to Leeds United and Wigan Athletic, and the club will be hoping to turn around their form against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

"Of course we could say if we’d won against Leeds and Wigan we could have gone for the top six. But now it’s very difficult.

"For us the each game now is important. We have to fight against relegation and we will fight.

“We must also build up to next season.”

The club face a tough trip away to Bradford City in the FA Cup quarter final on March 7th, in a game that could be the best chance for Reading to reach Wembley.

However, the club need to be wary of not concentrating too hard on that particular fixture and must remember to focus on the Championship too.