Reading defender Liam Moore has said that playing in a four-man defence as opposed to a back five is better suited to his game, as the 26-year-old reflected on the Royals' 0-0 draw with Stoke City over the weekend.

Mark Bowen set up with a flat-back four against the Potters at the bet365 Stadium, differing to his usual 3-5-2 formation that often sees Michael Morrison, Matt Miazga and Liam Moore line up at the back.

Miazga missed out on Saturday due to an injury, which saw Moore play on the left-side of a two man partnership alongside Michael Morrison. The 26-year-old said to Get Reading that playing in a back-four gives him more confidence during games.

"To swap back to a four and into the position where I can feel I really lead the team and put in performance like I know I can, meant I was happy and a clean sheet means it was a success," Moore said.

"I'd probably go far as saying on Saturday I was playing in my favourite position and we're almost at the halfway point in the season."

The point gained against their fellow strugglers on Saturday would've not done much to alleviate the pressure, after a poor recent run of form that has seen Mark Bowen's team just win once in their last six league games.

However, Moore made it clear that he is confident that the Royals can turn things around during the second half of the campaign.

"You always have to look in the mirror but halfway in and I'm looking for a big second half to the season," he said.

"Training is really good and that's a big, big factor. We work hard and work hard on tactics."

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The Verdict

It is a strong statement from Liam Moore, as it has taken over half of the season for the defender to be played in his preferred position in his favoured tactical system.

Mark Bowen's side kept their first clean sheet in five games on the weekend, and the Reading manager may consider opting for a back-four in the games to come to switch it up to try and get positive results.