Reading endured a difficult start to the season following on from their play-off heartbreak in the previous campaign, but the Royals are just showing signs that they may have turned the corner.
Jaap Stam's men have averaged two points a game from their previous seven outings, with one defeat coming against leaders Wolves. Even in that game, they were denied a thoroughly deserved point because of some heroics in goal from John Ruddy.
Victory at Sunderland made it back-to-back successes ahead of the home game against Cardiff on Monday and Reading will be looking to maintain this form to cut the big nine point gap that's between them and the top six.
The upcoming January transfer window could be critical if the Royals are to have a positive second half of the campaign, but Stam may want to trim his squad before making the necessary additions.
Here we look at two players who could be shipped out on a temporary basis next month...
Stephen Quinn
The Irishman is almost like a forgotten man at the Madejski Stadium, as he's barely featured at all under Stam.
Although injuries haven't helped, Quinn clearly doesn't fit into the boss' plans and it was a surprise that he didn't leave the club on loan in the summer.
However, he surely won't miss that opportunity in January. Quinn doesn't make the matchday squad and his only action has come in the Carabao Cup this season.
That's not going to suddenly change, so a move would benefit all parties.
Adrian Popa
The Romanian is another who seems out of favour with Stam and a loan move would provide him with the chance to play regularly.
Apart from a 20-minute run out against Barnsley recently, Popa hasn't played in the league since August and hasn't made the squad on many occasions.
Reading are reasonably well stocked in Popa's position, so it's hard to see how he will get a regular run. Despite hitting out at reports earlier in the season that stated Reading wanted him out, leaving is the only way he will play.
Thoughts, Reading fans? Let us know in the comments below.