Cummings: Reading FC dreaming of a bright Christmas
Sportsdesk • Published 16 Dec 2011 09:00
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SHAUN Cummings believes Reading FC's season could be defined over the Christmas and New Year period.
Royals' go to Leeds United on Saturday then host Brighton and Ipswich before a New Year's clash in Cardiff.
And with 12 points up for grabs, Cummings knows their results could go a long way to deciding where they end up next April.
The 22-year-old defender said: "It's my first run in the Reading team over Christmas so it's going to be an exciting time for me.
"We have a lot of games coming up, and some big games as well, both home and away.
"I think this period might define our season. If we do well and get through it I think we could really kick on.
"We've got a couple of home games over Christmas and if we can win those it will give us confidence when we go to Cardiff."
As Cummings says, this is his best run in the Reading team since Brendan Rodgers signed him from Chelsea for £300,000 in September 2009. Saturday's trip to Elland Road will be his 16th consecutive league appearance.
"I'm playing week-in-week-out at the moment and getting games under my belt which is the main thing," he declared. "I want to remain consistent and do well for the team.
"I've been patient and I've got to keep believing and when my chance comes take it."
That chance came when Andy Griffin suffered an injury in a 2-0 home defeat by Watford in early September. Cummings hasn't looked back, though he often seeks advice from the ex-Newcastle United and Stoke City defender.
He explained: "I'm a young player and Andy has had experience in the Champions League and Premier League. I look up to him, that's where I want to go.
"He gives me any little advice he can but at the end of the day we're both professionals and we both want to play.
"That's what keeps the pressure on me, because if you haven't got competition in your position you will get too comfortable. You will stop trying to do that extra bit to stay in the team or help the team.
"I like that pressure and the main thing is the team is winning."
Cummings clearly has no intention to give up the shirt easily, and he put in another assured display last Saturday in the 3-0 home win against West Ham United,
"I enjoyed the win, especially against a big team like West Ham who are from the same part of London as me.
"We knew what we had to do and we did it. Now there's going to be a big crowd up at Leeds and it should be a difficult game.
"But we should have a few fans going up ourselves and we've shown that we can compete against the bigger teams in this league. We're just trying to be consistent now."
And Cummings, who is yet to score a league goal in his professional career, added: "It would be nice to get one on Saturday. I've played at Elland Road with MK Dons when on loan and lost. You get a nice, warm welcome up there, but we're prepared for that.
"Playing at different clubs with their history and in front of passionate fans is what comes with being a footballer. It's what makes it exciting."
Meanwhile, Cummings has defended right-wing partner Jimmy Kebe who was accused of showboating in the West Ham win.
""Jimmy is a decent player, I don't think he tried to take the mick.
"He always does things like that during a game. I don't think it was a big issue, it was blown out of proportion.
"Jimmy has got quality and we've seen what he can do to left-backs, no matter who they are. He's got pace to burn."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 15 Dec 11
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