Reading boss Paul Clement has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, as his side are faced with a relegation battle this season. 

The Royals currently occupy one of the relegation places in the Championship and the club's fans seem to be losing patience with Clement, who seems to be struggling to pick his best starting XI in recent weeks.

But Reading striker Sam Baldock has defended the Royals boss and insists that the progress in the side is 'a work in motion'.

'We like him - we think he's a great guy and a good manager,' said Baldock via Football.London. 

'We're learning a lot. He (the manager) said at the beginning of the season it's not going to be an overnight fix, it's more of a work in motion.'

Baldock signed for Reading in the summer and has scored on four occasions for the Royals, and he insists that the players have to repay the faith that Clement has shown in them with some good performances.

'The nature of the business means there is going to be pressure but we are enjoying learning under him. And we believe we can progress.

'He can't step over that white line so it's down to us on the pitch. We owe him a few more performances than what we've been putting in.'

The 29-year-old admitted that his side are in a relegation dogfight this season and isn't surprised to see the Royals drop into the bottom three after a number of disappointing displays in recent weeks.

'I don't think you can avoid it, I think we are in a relegation battle.

'It's one of the toughest divisions in the world so I am not surprised if you don't perform to your best then you'll be punished.'

Baldock and his Reading teammates will be hoping they can ease the pressure on Clement with a positive result at the weekend when the Royals host Bristol City at the Madejski Stadium.

The Verdict: 

Some might find Baldock's comments surprising, as from the outside looking in, it seems as though Paul Clement has lost the dressing room in this Reading team.

Their poor run of form is a real concern for Reading fans and they are yet to see any evidence of an upturn in recent performances.

Clement is at the heart of the issues for the Royals at the moment and Reading fans seem to be losing patience with their manager so it is likely that we could see the former Swansea boss depart from the Berkshire based club in the next coming weeks if results don't improve.