CHRIS Gunter is relishing returning to home comforts this weekend and has warned his teammates they must improve their Madejski Stadium form this season.

Steve Clarke’s side host Leeds United on Sunday (3pm) and Gunter wants the Royals to build on Tuesday’s 1-0 Carling Cup win at Colchester United.

It was a tough time for Reading at home last season, losing 10 matches and winning just eight games in the league games.

But the 26-year-old is hoping that the Royals won’t face the same troubles this season and says he can’t wait to return to competitive action at the Madejski Stadium.

“It’ll be nice to get home,” he said. “There’ll be a big crowd and there’s always a good atmosphere against Leeds.

“Our home form needs to be better than it was last year. It’s a good place to start and we can really go for it now. 

“It’s been two decent performances so far so if we can keep that up and adjust a few little things then hopefully we’ll be talking about two wins in a row.

“We really wanted to get the first win of the season [against Colchester]. We didn’t want extra-time but at least we got the win in the end and that was the important thing for us after Saturday.

“Just because it went to extra-time we can’t say we didn’t play well. We dominated possession, kept a clean sheet, looked solid and got some extra minutes in the legs.”

Gunter was the unexpected match-winner for Reading on Tuesday evening, latching onto an Oliver Norwood pass and finishing well.

Contributing more goals from full-back is something Gunter and Jordan Obita have been working on in pre-season and now they’ve been challenged to keep going by Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen - with the latter challenging Gunter to score three more goals during this campaign.

“We spoke about it towards the end of last season,” said the Welshman. “We mentioned getting into that position on occasions and shooting across to the far post instead of crossing it.

“The gaffer and Kevin have said that the full-backs should be getting a couple of goals a season and if we’re moving the ball like we have been then if the space opens up then hopefully.

“But my last goal was over three years ago so hopefully the ratio can improve a little bit. 

“I’ve only scored four in my career so three is a big ask. I think I’ll go to the manager for a goal bonus if I do!”