PLAYING at a packed Elland Road live on television is all the motivation Reading FC need for tonight’s clash against Leeds United (7.45pm ko).

That was the message from Royals boss Paul Clement as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.

Clement’s men drew 0-0 at Wigan on Saturday against a side that had lost its previous four matches.

But the pressure will be cranked right up tonight against Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion-chasing hosts, who moved up to third with a 2-0 home win over Bristol City at the weekend.

“These are the games to get really excited about and get the juices flowing,” declared Clement. “We’re going to a good side, who have an experienced manager and passionate supporters.

“That stadium will be virtually full, and we’re live on TV as well.

“It’s fantastic motivation to do really well. It’s a brilliant game to look forward to so we’ll go there and do our very best.”

Reading remain 20th in the table despite a mini revival that delivered a win against Bristol City and draws with Ipswich and Wigan.

And Clement is refusing to get carried away, saying, “We would have been disappointed if we had lost against Wigan, but we didn’t win either so we can’t get too excited.”

Clement will be without forward duo Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Sam Baldock again through injury, meaning 18-year-old Danny Loader should keep his place on the bench.

The Academy youngster came on against the Latics for his Championship debut and did not look out of place.

Bracknell News:

Danny Loader takes on the Wigan defence on his league debut on Saturday. Pictures: Jasonpix.

Clement added: “Danny has had to be patient, and he really got his head down.

“He was scoring goals and developing with the Under 23s and now he’s training with us regularly and deserved to get his chance.

“When he went on he understood what he needed to do and he looked comfortable. He showed his quality and he’s an exciting prospect for the future.

“If he’s good enough and doing it when he gets the chances, then he’s more likely to start games rather than come off the bench.

“Watch this space now. We’re going to try to give him all the help that we can to try and develop him and then it will be down to him to take the opportunity.”

Clement also explained his reasons for calling 17-year-old midfielder, Conor Lawless, into his first-team squad.

Lawless travelled with the team which is staying in the north to cut down on travel time, though he did not make the matchday squad on Saturday.

“He’s a good player – I’ve seen him in games and he’s trained with us,” explained Clement.

“We’ve got a lot of good prospects. I could have brought an older Academy player, but it was important for some of them to be involved with the Under-23s against Fulham last week.

“So I thought let’s bring Conor, so it’s not a shock to him when he does finally step up.

“He can smell the dressing room a little bit and get involved. He’s been good to have around.”

Royals winger Mo Barrow is ruled out through illness once again.

Clement could tinker with his team and add fresh legs after Leandro Bacuna, Andy Yiadom and Josh Sims were on the bench at Wigan on Saturday.

Leeds United injuries:

GOALKEEPER Bailey Peacock-Farrell could return after a knee injury ruled him out of the win against Bristol City.

Defender Pontus Jansson is unavailable, with Aapo Halme set to step in.