ANDREW Taylor believes Reading FC now have a squad that is capable of handling the demanding rigours of the Championship.

Four of Steve Clarke’s late summer signings made their full debuts in Tuesday’s 2-1 cup defeat to Everton, with Lucas Piazon and Ola John especially impressive.

Paolo Hurtado and Alex Fernandez also played well, whilst squad players Taylor, Jake Cooper and Aaron Tshibola were all fantastic.

None of these players can hold down a place in Steve Clarke’s current first team, and Taylor believes it shows the strength in depth that Royals have.

“You just need to look at the squad and strength in depth that we’ve got,” he said. “We’re a confident bunch, really tight and there’s a great attitude between the lads.

“You need a good squad in the championship. It’s a long old season, it’s gruelling, it’s tough and you’ll pick up injuries and suspensions as well as loss of form. 

“It’s important you have players that are ready and able to come in.

“The attitude of everyone is fantastic. There are people who are disappointed not to be starting or even in the squad on a weekend but their application and attitude in training is first class and that’s what you need.

“From 1-25 in the squad we’re all in it together and the lads that made their debut can be pleased with their performance.

“They were all very good. Ola John created the goal with a great cross but I think everyone contributed which we had to to push Everton.

“The lads that made their debut can be pleased with their performance.”
Royals sit sixth in the table but face a tough trip to Burnley this Saturday, with the hosts unbeaten in the last five games.

Clarke’s side have lost just once since the opening day of the season in the league and have won their last two games on the road.

Taylor acknowledges it will be a tough game but hopes Reading can show what they’re made of at Turf Moor – even though they’ll come up against one of the best keepers in the Championship and someone that Taylor knows very well.

“Burnely will be a really tough game, they’ve still got a lot of quality,” he added. “We know it’s going to be tough but at the same time we’re playing well at the moment and we’ve no reason not to go there confident.

“Sean Dyche is a really good manager and they’ll be thereabouts at the top of the table come May.

“It’ll be difficult at their place but we’re full of confidence at the moments and it’ll be a good test of where we’re at.

“Tom Heaton is a good mate of mine and I’ll be having some banter with him after it so hopefully we’ll get the three points.

“I first met him at England Under 16s and then I was at Cardiff with him when we won promotion to the Premier League and we’ve remained really close friends since. 

“I’ll be telling him that when I play against him I can normally score but he’s a great keeper and he’ll make it difficult for us.”