JOHN O’Shea admits Reading FC must be better in defence as they get ready for a pre-season tour to Austria.

Paul Clement’s first-team squad fly out on Monday for a week in which they will play friendlies against Turkish top-flight side Besiktas in Graz the following day, then Russian side Rubin Kazan next Friday.

Royals have conceded six goals in their first two friendlies after a 4-2 defeat at AFC Wimbledon and 2-1 reverse at non-league Eastleigh.

And former Manchester United star O’Shea expects their defence to be tested in Austria once again.

“They’re great quality opposition, they’re a great test for us and I’m sure all the boys will be looking forward to it,” he declared.

“I think I played against Besiktas a good few years ago and they’re a top quality team, they’ll be a big test for us.

“Rubin Kazan have been back in training for a few weeks as well, so it’ll be good to have some European games and some big teams to play against.”

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New signing Andy Yiadom in action for Reading in the defeat at AFC Wimbledon. Picture: Jason Dawson.

He continued: “Defensively, the unit has to be switched on all over as you know there are players all over the pitch who can definitely hurt you.

“We will have to work well together to get a positive result, but ultimately it’s about getting those fitness levels up and getting ready for the start of the league.

“Concentration is key because we’ll probably be playing in similar temperatures to the UK at the moment as it’s generally quite hot in Austria.”

O’Shea left Sunderland recently when his contract expired and is one of three players along with Andy Yiadom and David Meyler to join Royals on a free transfer this summer.

Clement also brought in Coventry City striker Marc McNulty for around £1m last week.

And O’Shea is confident Royals will be more than ready for their mouthwatering Championship opener at home to Frank Lampard’s Derby County on Friday, August 3 (8pm, live Sky Sports).

“We have a few weeks to get everything ready for that by making sure everybody is getting stronger and fitter as the days and weeks go by,” he stated.

“Hopefully we’ll have a fantastic crowd at the Madejski to cheer us on for the first home game.”

Before the squad fly to Austria, Clement’s men face Fulham at Aldershot Town this Saturday in another friendly fixture (1.30pm).

A youthful Royals team are also set to play Slough Town at Arbour Park this Saturday afternoon (3pm).