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Reading have had a rather inconsistent campaign, and new manager Mark Bowen is currently enduring a tough run in the league.

His side haven't won in the Championship since January 1st and look like they have suffered a blip in confidence after having such a successful spell over Christmas.

Within this blip, key player John Swift has suffered a loss of form. He was influential throughout the Christmas period, and netted against Queens Park Rangers, Preston North End and Fulham. His bright spell got Reading supporters excited, but it now seems to have faded.

He hasn't scored in his last six league games, and on Saturday Swift looked rather jaded during the second-half of Reading's 1-1 draw with Hull City. He was sloppy in possession and didn't create the usual chances that he has been able to in the early parts of the campaign.

Bowen should seriously considering resting the 24-year-old for Reading's fixture against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night. The Royals have plenty of replacements who will be eager to earn a league start.

Charlie Adam, Andy Rinomhota and Sone Aluko could all come in for the player which would allow him a spell of rest. Since coming back from injury against Derby County in December, Swift has started the Royals' lost nine league games and Bowen shouldn't look to potentially burn him out.

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Swift is a model-professional for Reading, and if he is called to play once more against the Baggies then he will, as always, show effort and desire. However, the main reason Bowen should look to change up the midfield is due to the future games Reading face. The club have Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United in the coming weeks as well as a massive FA Cup clash with Sheffield United.

It will be of interest to see whether Swift is left out of the Royals side, but Reading supporters should not be surprised if he is dropped to the bench in order to rest his legs in midweek.