Reading FC boss Veljko Paunovic was in an upbeat mood as he spoke to the media ahead of Reading's trip to Middlesbrough on the weekend.

Reading will be looking to stretch their winning run to five games after a perfect start to the campaign so far.

Speaking about the test his side face at the weekend, Paunovic said: "I've watched [Neil Warnock] before, he is a legend in English football - a big time manager. We all had a benefit from watching his team play.

"They are very intense, he is very intense, very passionate and very successful - all of the attributes that tell us it's going to be a hard game again.

"We're excited to compete against a team that is also very committed and everyone is on the same page. It'll be a tough game, but we're ready. We have to acknowledge what we have done so far, but it is going to get more difficult.

"We have done a very good job in the past two weeks, and that is going to help us confront out opponents in the coming games. The approach is the same, nothing changes.

"We're aiming to continue our good progress as a team and we'll definitely strive for the win. That is out identity now, it's not going to be easy and we know we have to be at our best and control the things that we control.

Speculation has grown this week on the future of Royals starlet Michael Olise, who has reportedly been attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs.

Paunovic refuted this speculation however, saying: "It's the first time I've heard about it so no comment. 

"We’re working with him and everyone else to improve our team. Right now I have nothing to say about that.

"No one has asked to leave but that can change, we'll see.

"It is a two way thing and if something changes we'll assess it again.

"It's a game of numbers. I'm happy with everyone and how they work but you can only put 11 out."

The Serbian boss admitted that the club are still on the hunt for potential new arrivals before the domestic window closes tomorrow at 5pm, should the correct player become available.

The manager said: "We have three spots on our senior roster open, so anything can happen.

"I've been approached by a couple of very interesting players who are free agents, which mean we don't have to hurry.

"But, we'll definitely look at the opportunities in the next 24 hours before the window closes.

"I know the players will push the clubs to find them options and we might be a good destination for some of them.

"If somebody comes in it's to help the team and the group, but we will be very careful about bringing someone in who doesn't want to be here, somebody who thinks Reading will be one station before he looks elsewhere in January."

The manager also said that decisions on the inclusion of Lucas Joao and Tomas Esteves against Boro will be made 'at the last minute'.

Andy Yiadom, John Swift and Felipe Araruna are all still out.