Hunt praises Reading's 'underdog mentality'

Reading host league leaders Birmingham City on Saturday

Reading boss Noel Hunt has praised his side's "underdog mentality" as the club continues to battle on and off the pitch.

On the pitch, the Royals are fighting for a spot in League One's top six, while away from the field, the club's long-term future remains unknown, with a number of attempted takeovers falling through.

Distant owner Dai Yongge still owns the club, and in statements it has been detailed that he remains committed to selling Reading at the earliest opportunity.

Hunt's side are four points outside the top six and have the third-best home record in League One this season.

"I can't fault these boys for their effort, passion and desire," Hunt told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"An underdog mentality is a massive thing that we have at the football club. We speak about out-fighting and out-working other teams; it's part of our DNA.

"It's important that we have that, and it's what we speak about to people that come into the building, so they understand what we're about. I think the boys have been great, and they have built a real togetherness.

"They all take ownership out there; in reality, there is one captain, but really we have 15 or 16 captains in this squad; they're all fighting for each other."

Hunt took over as Reading boss in early December as Ruben Selles departed for Championship side Hull City.

Since then he has won five league matches, with four of those victories coming at the SCL Stadium.

"I'm just focusing on controlling what we can control," Hunt added.

"I just try to focus on the everyday and for me right now it's about Birmingham this weekend.

"I try to keep a short-term focus and I think it is suiting me quite well, I don't want to look too far into the future because in this game you don't know what could be around the corner."

League One leaders Birmingham City travel to the SCL Stadium on Saturday.

Reading have won nine of their last 12 home league games and will be looking to defeat a Blues side who are unbeaten across their last 15 matches.