Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic has encouraged Liam Moore to “focus on his performances” after the defender was stripped of the Royals captaincy.

The Jamaican international last appeared for Reading in the 1-0 defeat to West Brom in December and he has made a request to leave the club according to the statement that was put out following Saturday’s defeat at Middlesbrough.

However, Paunovic insisted that Moore’s ongoing absence is due to injury rather than the 28-year old’s desire to depart the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

“Liam, first of all, is injured, he’s recovering from his injury,” Paunovic said. “I think the situation with the captaincy…is something…I wanted to make a change. I communicated that with Liam.

"He’s carrying a lot of burden and he needs to focus on his performances and I wanted to open that space for somebody. I think changes are needed and I’m looking at other areas and departments.

“We can’t put on ourselves more difficulties because that’s not going to lead anywhere. What must be done is recover and recompose again.”

Reading Chronicle: Moore in action for Reading this season. Image by: JasonPIXMoore in action for Reading this season. Image by: JasonPIX

When pressed on Moore’s future and whether the former captain has any at the club, Paunovic – speaking after Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Luton Town – chose to remain coy.

“I think I answered everything I needed to say about Liam Moore and I’d prefer not to add to that because I think it’s not going to lead anywhere…opening this with more comments. I do like Liam and we’ll see obviously how this is going to develop. There is no development actually, the situation is what it is now and we are focused on the team.”

In terms of a possible return date for Moore, Paunovic explained that it will be determined by whether he needs surgery for his “soft-tissue” injury, something that is still being assessed by the club.

“It’s difficult to answer because he is currently in the medical department where they are trying to find the best way, whether he will recover or if he will need a surgery. This is where we are with that.”

Reading continued their barren run that has seen them win just twince in their last 14 Championship matches when Luton swept aside Paunovic’s team with minimal fuss. A first half Tom Holmes owwn goal was followed by an Allan Campbell tap-in just before the hour mark as Reading struggled to get anything going of their own.

The Royals will look to put their struggles behind them on Saturday when they welcome Huddersfield Town to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.