READING FC boss Brian McDermott is expecting a backlash from MK Dons this Saturday (3pm ko).

Karl Robinson's men were thrashed 5-0 at home by Burnley on Tuesday night to leave them hovering above the relegation zone.

They have not kept a clean sheet since November and visitors Reading will be favourites to claim all three points at Stadium MK this weekend.

But McDermott fears they could be like a wounded animal and he is wary of the danger the hosts could pose.

“They've had a big home defeat and they'll be hurting,” he warned. “You have to be wary of anyone who is hurting.

“But we can't concern ourselves with that result, it's none of our business.

“They have a good manager and good players. I have seen them play this season when I scouting for Arsenal.

“The only thing we can do is go there and do the right job. I'm looking forward to going there and trying to get a result.”

Reading head to MK Dons on the back of an impressive and energetic display at title-chasing Derby County on Tuesday night.

The home side went in front through Jason Shackell, but Danny Williams equalised and Hal Robson-Kanu hit the woodword in the 1-1 draw.

Now McDermott is demanding his players put in the same level of effort this Saturday.

“Whatever happens, our shape has to be right, we have to win tackles and second balls and we have to outwork the opposition,” he explained.

“Let's take that as a gimme, then we can work on the final third, set plays and things like that.

“There is no negotiation in any of that, and that goes for the whole group.

“We've got to get the basics right first, and we remind them of it every day.”

Reading are likely to be without injured trio Paul McShane, Aaron Tshibola and Jordan Obita for the trip, which will be their third away fixture in a week.