DANNY Williams praised the depth of Reading FC’s squad after the Royals cruised to a fourth successive win and clean sheet despite a number of injuries.

Saturday’s Championship clash against Burton Albion saw key players like Yann Kermorgant, John Swift, Joey van den Berg and Stephen Quinn forced out with knocks, but ruthless Royals brushed aside their opponents 3-0 regardless.

In truth it was a dominating performance in which Jaap Stam’s men looked comfortable on the ball throughout, and the manager’s 11 new additions to the squad over the summer are starting to pay off.

Liam Moore, Tyler Blackett, Roy Beerens and Yakou Meite were just some of Stam's signings used in the game, and Williams praised the impact of the squad.

“We scored another three goals which is good for our goal difference,” declared the USA international.

“But what pleased me most was the way the players reacted to the injuries we had.

“John Swift, Yann Kermorgant and Joey van den Berg were all missing on Saturday, but the players who came in did great and I’m so pleased Dominic Samuel scored on his full debut.

“Jordan Obita hasn’t played much recently but he put some great balls into the box and had an excellent game.

“The whole team showed great togetherness and we’re hoping to build on that.

“The clean sheet was great and the back three were unbelievable. The important thing is to keep that going.”

The victory was the second game in the row Royals plundered three goals without reply to moved up to third place.

But Williams knows all too well that a high position in the league at this stage of the season can still result in heartache, and the soon-to-be out of contract midfielder insisted he is staying focused.

“Believe it or not I don’t care where we are in the table,” he asserted.

“People don’t believe me when I say that but it is true.

“Obviously, it’s nice to know we are doing well, but when you look at that table that’s when you can get carried away.

“We’ve got to remain focussed and on each game as it comes. I am not a fan of looking at tables.

“The Championship is a tough league and we have a lot of games coming up in December.”

Williams scored the second goal in Saturday’s clash, and confessed he almost made himself a contender for miss of the season.

Obita’s cross fell perfectly to the midfielder’s feet, and Williams rifled the ball into the roof of the net – narrowly avoiding the crossbar.

“I nearly missed that one," confessed the former Hoffenheim midfielder. "I tried to tuck it under the bar but it was a bit too close for comfort.

“Sometimes the easiest chances turn out to be the hardest, but I was happy it went in as it came from a great cross by Jordan Obita.

“But it doesn't matter who scores, it's all about the three points.”

Reading entertain Bristol City at home on Saturday afternoon (3pm ko), and Williams rallied his teammates to make it five Championship wins in a row.

“We try and get the most out of every month,” he concluded.

“This league is unforgiving and you can’t afford to slack off, it’s all about momentum.

“That’s why we are where we are.”