JAAP Stam wants his Reading FC team to 'play with freedom' when they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park tomorrow night (Wednesday, 7.45pm ko).

The Magpies have endured a poor start to the Championship season under manager Rafa Benitez as they attempt to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

They opened their account with a surprise 1-0 defeat at Fulham and were turned over 2-1 at home by Huddersfield Town on Saturday, with former Royals target Nahki Wells amongst the Terriers' scorers.

And with Newcastle still searching for their first points of the season, and with Benitez under pressure to deliver, Stam believes that could play into Royals'hands.

“Everybody is expecting a lot from Newcastle,” said Stam. “There is a lot of pressure on them, which means that normally the other teams who are playing Newcastle can play quite freely and can make it easier for their opponent.

“They will be wanting to win their next game which is with us on the Wednesday.

“We need to look back on their games so far this season, look at the clips and we’re going to go there to try and get a result.”

Reading have had a mixed start to the league campaign with a 1-0 home win against Preston followed by a 2-0 defeat at Wolves on Saturday and an EPL Cup victory against Plymouth in between.

But Stam is confident his players can cope with the pressure of performing at the 52,000-seater St James' Park.

“We can take some of the lessons from Wolves into the next game,” said the ex-Netherlands and Manchester United defender.

“Most of the players have played in big stadiums and in difficult atmospheres, and, as I’ve said to them, the fans are not on the pitch, they're only in the stands where they can’t harm you.

“In football you need to play our own game, do what you do best and eventually you’ll get a result.”

Stam may tweak his line-up for the trip to Newcastle, while Magpies boss Rafa Benitez has been hit with another injury blow after Moussa Sissoko picked up a knock in training and is likely to miss tomorrow's match.

Reading flew up to the north east earlier today, while more than 600 Royals supporters are set to make the long midweek trip.