Tabb: Reading FC confident in squad strength
Anthony Smith • Published 13 Oct 2011 15:30
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JAY Tabb believes Reading's squad is among the very best in the Championship and will only get better in weeks to come.
Royals hope to build on their four-match unbeaten league run when they return from a fortnight's international break to face Burnley at Turf Moor this Saturday (3pm ko).
Both teams currently occupy mid-table positions on 12 points, with Reading one place below the Clarets in 15th spot.
Neither has set the world alight so far this season and Royals had a dreadful start that saw them slump to one place off the bottom following five straight defeats in all competitions.
However, Brian McDermott's men mounted an impressive recovery and Tabb insists there is even more to come.
Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, he said: "I think our squad is right up there with the best in the division, I really do.
"We're a different side to last year as well which shows that we have had to adapt and change to get where we are.
"But, if I'm honest, when I look throughout our team I wouldn't want to swap any of our players for anyone else.
"We've got strength in every position now and we're confident about the future."
Tabb's return to the side in place of the out-of-favour Jem Karacan coincided with Reading's current unbeaten run.
And the diminutive midfielder is not about to let go of the shirt easily, as Royals head into their next batch of games including home fixtures against third-placed Derby County next Tuesday (8pm ko) and leaders Southampton the following weekend.
"It's been great to have a consistent run in the team," he admitted. "I've been on the sidelines myself so I know what it's like to be out of the team.
"All you can do is give the players in the team a pat on the back and wish them the best of luck. It's a long season and we will all be needed at some point or another.
"But when the chance comes you always try and take it and it's four positives results now so I'm delighted.
"Hopefully we can make that five results on Saturday and keep it going. There's no reason why we can't go to Burnley and give a good account of ourselves."
Eddie Howe's Clarets thrashed Nottingham Fortest 5-1 in their last fixture at Turf Moor costing former England boss Steve McClaren his job.
Tabb warned: "Burnley have a talented squad and can beat anyone on the day. You could say the same about 10 teams in this division so we know what to expect.
"They've only won once at home but that was a big win against Nottingham Forest last time out so we're going to be have to be at our best."
And he added: "We've got six matches between now and the next international break in November. If we can have a good run in that spell we would hope to be in a good position around Christmas time.
"But it's no good looking too far ahead. We must take each game at a time, but we know these next six games could be very important to us."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 13 Oct 11
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