Sky Sports pundit Liam Rosenior has admitted that he is surprised to see Reading fighting for Championship survival, with Royals boss Paul Clement coming under increasing pressure.

The Royals are currently sat 20th in the Championship table, and with Clement's side only out of the relegation places on goal difference, it's clear to see why he is a man under pressure.

Speaking on Sky Sports' EFL Podcast, the former Royals defender offered his thoughts on the club's luck this season:

"Reading brought Paul Clement in to stabilise the club.

"Talking about vital moments - they were a minute away from drawing against Derby in the first game of the season."

The 34-year-old admitted that he didn't expect to see Reading in a relegation fight this season and feels Clement needs to turnaround their poor run of form:

"I don't expect them to be down there (in the league table) but sooner rather than later Paul is going to have to turn it around there if they are going to have a good season."

Rosenior recalled the Royals' promotion push in the 2016/2017 season where they were beaten in the play-off final by Huddersfield Town on penalties:

"They were outstanding that season (2016/17). I remember at Brighton we got promoted that year but they caused us real problems in both games.

"You have those vital moments in seasons which can make or break you and ever since that game their form has dramatically tailed off."

Clement's side face Wigan after the international break, where a defeat could potentially seal Clement's fate as manager of the Berkshire-based team.

The Verdict

Rosenior's quotes won't come as a surprise to Reading fans, many of whom have already lost patience with the under-fire manager, and rightly so.

Something seems to be not be right at the club at the moment, whether that be the manager in charge or issues higher up at the Madejski Stadium - either way, it's a mess.

I don't expect to see Clement in charge of the Royals for much longer, and with a tough run of fixtures to come after the international break, I would be stunned to see him remain as manager by Christmas.

Thoughts? Let us know!