Published: Thursday, 20th March, 2008 13:00
Rosenior fires up Royals
By Anthony Smith
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Leroy Rosenior is in upbeat mood ahead of this weekend's game against Birmingham
LIAM Rosenior is building up Saturday’s pressure six-pointer against Birmingham City by stressing: “It’s time to earn our money.”
A victory against Brum will leave Reading feeling like they’ve won the jackpot in their battle to avoid the drop.
It would be a significant step towards the magical 40 points, although most pundits accept the safety figure will be much lower this season.
However, a defeat could also have dire consequences for Steve Coppell’s side who saw their two-match winning streak come to a disappointing end at Liverpool last weekend in a 2-1 reverse.
With so much at stake at the Madejski Stadium, it will be a test of nerve and bottle in a game both sides are desperate not to lose.
But Rosenior, who has survived similar pressures at Fulham before, is ready to meet the challenge head on.
“Birmingham is a six-pointer but these are the games you’ve got to relish,” said the ex-England under-21 international. “We’re in football to play games that are important to the club and I’m really looking forward to Saturday.
“In a way, going to Anfield and putting in a performance is easy when nothing is expected of you.
“But when you’re at home and people expect you to take three points – that’s when you earn your money.”
If Rosenior’s attitude is anything to go by, the Royals are not short of confidence going into Saturday’s sell-out clash.
That is understandable given the recent back-to-back wins over Middlesbrough and Manchester City which eased their relegation fears for the time being at least.
Coppell’s men were also impressive at Anfield last weekend where they were denied a debatable last-gasp penalty and the chance to make it 2-2.
“The thing is when we play Manchester United away I fancy us to win,” revealed Rosenior. “That’s the mentality of all professional footballers.
“We didn’t go into the Liverpool game thinking that if we got anything it would be a bonus. If you adopt that attitude you won’t get anything.
“I’m looking to win every game I play in, whether it’s Birmingham home or Arsenal away.
“I know that if I and my team-mates make the right decisions we have a chance of winning any game.”
While Derby are doomed, Rosenior’s former club Fulham boosted their slim survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Everton last weekend.
Any club from Wigan in 12th could still go down and, if anything, Reading have what appears to be an easier run-in compared with many of their rivals.
Their final game is also away at Derby on what is certain to be another day of dramatic twists and turns. But Rosenior hopes to get things wrapped up before then.
“Every year it goes to the last day for two or three clubs,” said the right-back.
“Our target has to be to avoid being a part of that because it’s a lottery. A bad penalty decision or offside goal can go against you.
“It’s in our hands over the next six games to make sure we’re not part of that relegation battle and I’m confident we can do that.
“Forty points guarantees safety and we’re well capable of getting 12 points from the next eight games. Three points will help on Saturday but if we don’t get them we will move on.”
Rosenior is certain to start at right-back again this Saturday as skipper Graeme Murty is still injured.
The 23-year-old is enjoying his best run in the team since he joined from Fulham last summer and is growing in stature with every game.
He admitted: “I’ve played three games in four or five months and it’s just about finding consistent performances and building on that. But I set high standards of myself and I believe I have more to give.
“I saw Birmingham’s game on Monday and they have some good players. Michael Owen secured a big point for Newcastle but we’ve got to be confident at home.
“We’ve been in good form. Obviously losing at Liverpool was tough but we still played well, our confidence is back and we can use that on Saturday.”
James McFadden netted for Birmingham in the 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s and Rosenior stated: “He didn’t get much of a look-in at Everton but he’s a confident lad and he believes in his ability.
“Now he’s got the stage to show that and he’s someone we have to look out for.
“I also know Cameron Jerome from England under-21s. He’s powerful and quick and they have some good strikers.
“Birmingham have some good players, but every Premier League team has matchwinners and it’s my job to stop them.”
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Rosenior: `We have upper hand'