Reading defender Tyler Blackett says his side must be able to win ugly in the final stages of the Championship, if they are to secure a place in the division for next season.

The Royals currently sit one point clear of the relegation zone with eight games of the season remaining, though they still have to face top six sides Norwich; West Brom and Middlesbrough, which they may have to do without influential on loan forward Nelson Oliveira as he battles a hamstring injury.

Blackett is well aware of the challenge facing himself and his teammates, telling The Reading Chronicle: “The games are probably not as much about the football now as the fight.

“We’ve got to have that side to us.

“We’re showing we’re trying to do that in every game now so hopefully the results will take care of themselves."

Reading's first game back after the international break sees them host another playoff chasing side in Preston North End, and speaking about his sides plans for the break, Blackett revealed: "We’ll be training hard in the international break, keeping our focus on getting ready for the next group of games.

“A weekend off won’t totally take your mind off it, but it’s just giving us a rest which we need, time to refocus and be ready. It will be about recovering and focussing on each game as it comes.”

The verdict

Reading's last three wins have shown they have got fight in them, all three coming courtesy of single late goals.

As Blackett says, they will certainly have to maintain that fight between now and the end of the season, with just about all of their remaining opponents harbouring outside hopes of the playoffs at the very least.