Midweek results in the Championship intensified the pressure on the Royals, ahead of a nervy trip to Millwall on Tuesday evening.

Before that, Reading travel to South Wales to face Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow (3pm ko), and Clarke believes it can provide a platform for his players to build confidence ahead of a crucial few weeks in the league.

"It's a welcome distraction," he said. "I love the FA Cup, it's a great competition.

"I always pay it the biggest respect I can.

"I'll make two or three changes which is normal for any game. There's players I want to see and this gives us that opportunity.

"There will be some changes due to circumstances. Playing on Tuesday means there are only two days to recover ahead of Millwall.

"But as I said to the players, it's up to me to balance the squad and utilise the players, but they have to concentrate on the next game."

He continued: "I think a good performance helps everything about the club. You get a feel good factor around the group.

"The players who have been involved in the latter stages of the cup before will know how it can give you a lift.

"I think the place is a little bit happier since I came to the club but we need to start getting results."

Anton Ferdinand has been ruled out of the trip to Cardiff having picked up another knock in training, while Jamie Mackie will also miss the game with a groin injury.

New Chelsea loan signing Nathaniel Chalobah is available for Clarke to utilise, while Jem Karacan's fight towards match fitness is likely to continue from the bench.

"We have to protect him," said Clarke." The ideal way is to nurse him back.

"To start a game in professional football you need to know he can last 90 minutes as other circumstances can change during the game, so sometimes it is better to start from the bench."

Reading lost 2-1 at Cardiff in the Championship in November and Bluebirds boss Russell Slade is likely to make a few changes for this weekend's match-up.

There could be starts for Joe Ralls and Declan John, while Matt Connolly could get the nod in defence alongside skipper Ben Turner.

However, Scott Malone is an injury doubt and Slade could rest Peter Whittingham and Aron Gunnarsson for the clash.