JOHN SWIFT urged Reading FC to take the positives from Royals’ 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers and snatch all three points when they face Aston Villa tonight (7.45pm ko).

Paul Clement’s side travel to Villa Park to take on Steve Bruce’s high-flying Villains off the back of their first win in nine Championship games last Friday.

Villa can all but cement a place in the play-offs with a win but Swift backed Royals to pull off a scalp.

“We need to do really well in the next seven games,” he asserted.

“Getting the win against QPR was good for the whole team’s confidence and we can take that in to tonight.

“The upcoming games are both massive. They are both doing really well.

“Villa Park is a tough place to go but anything can happen in the Championship so if we go there and put on a good performance hopefully we can come away with three points.”

Reading will be without Yann Kermorgant after the veteran forward was dismissed against Rangers on Friday.

Paul McShane remains sidelined with a hamstring problem while Tommy Elphick, who is on loan from Villa, will also miss out.

Long-term absentees Garath McCleary, Stephen Quinn, Jordan Obita and Callum Harriott will all be absent.

Boss Clement added: “Tonight is massive now. We have seven games and 21 points to play for. The gap between us and bottom three is there, but things can change quickly.

“Villa will be tough opponents and pushing for the top of the table. But QPR went there recently and won 3-1 so why can’t we go there and get a good result?”