Reading boss Brian McDermott optimistic of survival

Reading manager Brian McDermott is confident his bottom-placed side will collect enough points to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Only West Brom, in 2004-05, have ever escaped relegation after being at the foot of the table on Christmas Day.

"They talk about the past, but this is doable," said McDermott, whose side drew 0-0 with Swansea to rise to 19th.

"Psychologically it's a lift for us. We believe it's doable, I believe it's doable. We will relish the challenge."

Reading's point at home to Swansea ended a seven-match losing streak and saw them leapfrog Queens Park Rangers on goal difference.

"It is progress," McDermott told BBC Sport. "We've been having 7-5, 4-3, 3-3 and 2-2 games here so to get a clean sheet is very important.

"We have to go that way and pick up points. We move on and we're looking forward to the next game against West Ham."

Swansea dominated the first half, but the introduction of Hal Robson-Kanu and Adam Le Fondre in the 61st minute helped shift the momentum.

Le Fondre had an effort disallowed for handball and saw a late goalbound volley headed to safety by Chico Flores.

"We were unfortunate not to win it when Le Fondre's shot was cleared off the line - it was great defending," said McDermott, whose side are back in the top flight for the first time since 2007-08.

"We have to find a way to get results. We have to be solid and pick up points - we haven't done that in the last seven games.

"In those seven games we've had Arsenal and Manchester United at home, and five games. It's been difficult and we've been unfortunate.

"In the Championship we tried to win every single game because we were trying to entertain our fans. But [now] our fans want to see points, I want to see points and the players want to see points.

"Today we tried to win but we have to be sensible because the last thing you want to do is lose."

In their second season in the top flight - and Michael Laudrup's first since succeeding Brendan Rodgers as manager - Swansea sit ninth.

"Having 25 points after 19 games is absolutely fantastic," said the Dane. "I thought we would have less at this stage.

"But we can't stop. From now to the beginning of February we have so many games. The next stage to reflect is when we reach 40 points, then we'll see from there."

Top scorer Michu was forced off after 80 minutes with an ankle injury, but Laudrup added: "I talked to the doctor and physio after the game and they said the ligaments should be ok."