The best Reading FC XI under Steve Clarke

The Royals have enjoyed a solid start to the season under Steve Clarke, and have used a wide range of players throughout the season.

With Reading sitting just outside the play-offs, Steve Clarke is looking to his senior squad to really deliver, in a bid to help the Royals return to the promised land of the Premier League.

The Thai owners invested heavily in the playing squad over the summer, with new signings arriving in every department, with loan players such as Lucas Piazon and Ola John coming in, as well as Paul McShane and Ali Al-Habsi, who both bring Premier League experience to the squad.

Here is the BEST Reading FC XI under Steve Clarke.......

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE BEST READING FC XI!

[/ffc-gallery]

GK - Ali Al-Habsi

Had a shaky start to his Reading career, including some soft goals against the likes of Everton in the Capital One Cup.

However, the Omani international has picked up his form and is looking like the keeper he was at Wigan.

Al-Habsi has the edge over Jonathan Bond at the moment, and his experience could prove pivotal throughout the season.

LB - Jordan Obita

Obita is a product of the youth academy and has been impressive this season.

The arrival of Andrew Taylor has given him the kick he has needed to push on, and his performances have massively benefited from this.

It will be no surprise to see the talented full-back plying his trade in the Premier League very soon.

CB - Paul McShane

One of the most impactful signings Steve Clarke brought in over the summer, the Irish international has been nearly faultless in his displays.

The Republic of Ireland international has looked sharp and solid at the back alongside Michael Hector, and will be pivotal for Steve Clarke's men.

CB - Michael Hector

The academy graduate signed for Chelsea on deadline day, but has since impressed after being sent out to play the rest of the season on loan with the Royals.

Enjoying solid form and looking well worth the money Chelsea paid, Hector is one hell of a centre-back.

The defender possesses superbly composed on the ball, and never looks like he is going to panic and lose possession.

RB - Chris Gunter

The Welsh international has been a mainstay in the Reading side since arriving from Nottingham Forest years ago, and is the dependable man at the back these days.

Offers a calm but consistent option down the flank, and is always the first name on the Royals team sheet.

RM - Nick Blackman

This one speaks for itself really doesn't it.

Blackman has been a different player entirely this year, and already has 11 goals and sevem assists in all competitions this year.

Skilful, quick and with an eye for goal, he provides a handful for opposition defences.

CM - Danny Williams

Tenacious and determined midfielder and useful going forwards and defending.

He sometimes lacks the end product but is an invaluable asset to this a Reading side and offers consistency throughout the season.

The USA international really deserves to be playing in the Premier League, as he often stands out week in week out.

CM - Oliver Norwood

Capable of picking out pinpoint passes, and tracking back well, Norwood brings a touch of flair and passing range to the side.

His assist for Nick Blackman's goal against Rotherham proved his class, and he looks set to go from strength to strength at Reading.

LM - Garath McCleary

The Jamaican winger has been a fan favourite at Reading for a while, and while the left flank has been subject to rotation, the wide man already has two goals to his name this season.

The former Nottingham Forest man always looks to run at defences when he has the ball, and can be a pest for opposition defences.