Paul Ince: Reading interim manager will not rush players back at 'pivotal' stage of season

Paul Ince (left) and former Wolves team-mate Alex Rae are part of Reading's interim coaching staff

Paul Ince will not be rushing players back from long-term injuries as Reading enter a "pivotal" stage in their battle against Championship relegation.

Interim Royals boss Ince said he was delighted to see increased competition among the squad with 11 games to play.

But he is wary of putting centre-back Scott Dann, midfielder Josh Laurent and forward Yakou Meite through too many minutes following recent injuries.

Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland has also joined on a deal until the end of the season.

Norway international Nyland, 31, was a free agent having left Bournemouth by mutual consent in January.

He will provide cover after Arsenal loanee Karl Hein was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign following surgery on a hand injury.

Orjan Nyland made three appearances in all competitions for Bournemouth earlier this season

Interim manager Ince will hope former Aston Villa and Norwich goalkeeper Nyland will provide competition for Luke Southwood in goal.

Meanwhile, the former England captain continues to be wary about rushing back the likes of Dann and Laurent even with results of added importance in the run-in.

"I've got to think about the bigger picture," Ince told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Reading are five points clear of third-from-bottom Derby County with a game in hand but face promotion contenders Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Blackburn Rovers in their next three fixtures.

The Royals have won one and lost two since Ince was placed in interim charge last month.

"It's a pivotal part of the season," the 54-year-old added.

"As much as I would like to throw players like Scott (Dann) and Josh (Laurent) straight into the starting line-up, if they pick up even minor injuries again, then they are out for the rest of the season.

"It's great to have this increased competition in the squad as I don't want the players getting complacent. We've got to change the mentality, the players have lost their way a bit this season and it's about instilling that belief.

"There's a balance of play to be struck. As good as we are as an attacking unit, if we keep conceding three or four goals each game, then there's no way back.

"If we can stay in games as long as possible, we're always going get chances to win with our attacking players."

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