ALEX Fernandez is backing Reading FC to reclaim their position in the Championship’s top five teams.

Royals remain seventh in the table but have accumulated just three points from their last four games.

Having held title-chasing Brighton & Hove Albion to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, Royals laboured to a 2-2 draw against struggling Huddersfield Town at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

However, Fernandez is confident Steve Clarke’s men will quickly rediscover the recent form which took them up to second place last month.

The 23-year-old Spaniard told the Chronicle: “We’re having a good season but we haven’t won in four games now.

“Saying that, football can be difficult here in England and especially in the Championship.

“But I like my Reading team. I think we are a strong team and in two or three months I’m sure we will be able to stay in the top five.”

Fernandez made only his fourth Championship appearance of the season on Tuesday following his summer loan move from Espanyol, which could be turned into a permanent deal next summer.

He came on at half-time with Reading trailing Huddersfield 2-1 and helped the under-par hosts get back on level terms through Ola John’s late leveller.

However, the former Real Madrid midfielder admitted: “For us I don’t think a draw was good.

“We want to stay in the top five in the Championship and we really needed all three points.

“Huddersfield played well but I think we were much better in the second half.

“It is possible we could have scored more goals and got the victory, but sometimes football is very difficult.”

Fernandez has finally settled down in England following his arrival last summer.

And although he is unhappy with the amount of pitch time he is getting, he sees his move to Madejski Stadium as a positive one.

“Steve Clarke knows me as a footballer,” he explained. “He is a very good coach and person with me.

“I like England and I like Reading a lot. If it’s possible I will stay here next year. For me it is the best.”

Fernandez is pushing for a start at Cardiff City this Saturday (3pm ko) as Reading search for their first win in five league games.

The versatile midfielder added: “When I came on against Huddersfield the manager told me to enjoy myself and to try and help my teammates, and if we get a winning goal then perfect.

“I don’t know if I will play this Saturday, the coach will decide that and I respect all his decisions. But I will put in some strong work every day so that hopefully I play, but it’s down to Steve Clarke.”

Ola John is likely to earn a place in Clarke's starting line-up in south Wales this Saturday after coming off the bench to score the equaliser in Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Huddersfield Town.