DANNY Williams heaped praise on Reading FC fans for pushing them across the line in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

The USA international has hit out at supporters several times this campaign, notably for booing Royals’ style of play earlier in the season.

But with Reading 1-0 up against the Cottagers at Madejski Stadium last week, Williams, whose contract expires after the Wembley final against Huddersfield Town tomorrow (3pm ko), admitted it was the fans who helped the players see out the match.

“They were unbelievable,” declared the 28-year-old. “I’ve complained about them before, but against Fulham the fans were amazing.

“The last 30 minutes we had to defend for our lives but they all stood up. I just wish it was like that every home game.

“I always say that I’m a guy who lives off the crowd, it gives me that extra five or 10 per cent to make that extra tackle.

“It’s a big compliment to them and hopefully they’ll be great at Wembley and next season.”

Reading Chronicle:

Danny Williams' contract expires on Monday, but he has hinted he is ready to sign a new deal.

Royals were the most unfancied team heading into the play-offs, with bookmakers backing Fulham to make it to the final.

And Williams insisted Reading will thrive on their underdog tag.

He added: “Fulham have quality players, they are a quality team. They are very hard to play against but we showed we have great team spirit and we are all in this together.

“We deserved that win because, if you look at the whole of the season, we finished third in the table and nobody really backed us.

“Even before the game I heard a lot of people saying things like Fulham are going to win.

“But it’s good, I’ve said before nobody is counting on us so we are the underdogs and the pressure isn’t on us.”

Meanwhile, Williams hinted to the Chronicle recently that he is on the verge of signing a new deal at Madejski Stadium, despite interest from rival clubs.

“I’ve always said I want to play in the Premier League,” he said. “People always say I’m leaving every transfer window. I’m not going to lie I have had offers (in the past) but I came here and signed a four year deal for a reason.

“It’s not just words, I know what I have at this club, I think the fans know what I give to the club.

“It’s not just a phrase, I’m happy here and I’ve settled well. I always said I have dreamed of going up with Reading, that’s my number one dream and now we are so close.”