JAAP Stam accepts Reading FC must end their six-match winless streak as quickly as possible – but admits Saturday’s opponents Hull City will be no pushovers.

Royals have not won in the Championship since a 3-1 victory at Sunderland on December 2 and have lost four of their last five matches.

That worrying slump in form has pushed Stam’s men down to 18th in the table and only four points above the relegation zone.

But they have an excellent opportunity to secure three much-needed points when they take on fellow strugglers Hull at the KCOM Stadium (3pm ko).

The Tigers, now managed by former Royals boss Nigel Adkins, have not won in five league games, occupy 21st place and have the worst defensive record in the division, conceding 44 goals in 26 games, compared to Reading’s 35 goals.

And Reading have already dropped precious points against teams below them this season following recent defeats to Birmingham City and Burton Albion and draws with Bolton and Barnsley.

“We’re aware of Hull’s stats and I’m sure they are aware of ours," declared Stam. "We will try and find a way to make it difficult for them.

“Everybody thinks you should beat teams below you but, as you have seen in the past, it is not easy.

“It’s good to have had no midweek game to work on certain things so everyone is going in the right direction.

“As everyone needs to understand players are also getting frustrated by not getting results.

“It not about not being willing to work together but you need to go over the tactics again and what we want to achieve to get back on a winning streak.”

Reading Chronicle:

Former Royal Michael Hector is now at Hull City.

The pressure on Stam intensified last weekend when Reading could only draw 0-0 at League Two Stevenage in the FA Cup third round, with the replay at Madejski Stadium scheduled for next Tuesday night (8pm ko).

That made it seven games in all competition without a victory for the Royals, though Stam admits spirit in the camp remains positive.

“Confidence generally is good,” he said. “Players know what we expect from them but you are playing against an opponent so it’s not easy.

“When it’s not working out it can lead to frustration, which is normal.

“There are still a lot of games to go and that one win can give you a real boost, a different feeling. But when you are not winning it brings frustration.

“A good win and performance lifts morale of everybody and makes things a bit easier. We’re aware of what we can do but also what the opposition can do.”

Reading Chronicle:

Ex-Reading manager Nigel Adkins.

Meanwhile, Royals defender Liam Moore look set to return to the starting line-up this Saturday after recovering from the knock that kept him out of last weekend’s FA Cup stalemate at Stevenage.

Leandro Bacuna will also be available despite limping out of the cup tie with cramp, while Roy Beerens could make a return to the squad after recovering from a back issue.

This Saturday’s clash will also see Royals skipper Paul McShane and goalkeeper Vito Mannone line up against their former club, while ex-Reading player Michael Hector is set to start in the Tigers’ defence.