Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray believes Paul Ince has done an 'extremely good job' since taking over.

Mowbray, who replaced the Stoke City-bound Alex Neil last month, lost to Ince and Reading at the back end of last season, with a Josh Laurent long-range strike going a long way to keeping the Royals in the Championship.

However, after a strong start and a 100 per cent record at the SCL Stadium, Reading sit third in the division as we approach the 10 game mark.

Speaking on the Royals, Mowbray felt they would miss key man John Swift more than they have so far.

Reading Chronicle: PAPA (Image: PA)

"I think they have done exceptionally well," he started. "I don’t think anybody would have thought they would be where they are in the league because of the player they lost in John Swift, who I think is one of the best players in the Championship over the last few years, went to West Brom on a free transfer.

"I think Paul Ince has galvanised them and done an extremely good job. They have beaten teams like Stoke and Middlesbrough and found a way to get results.

Sunderland, newly promoted from League One, have had an equally impressive start, sat in the top 10 at this early stage.

Despite a difficult task for the Black Cats, the former Middlesbrough and Celtic manager believes his side can casue the Royals problems.

"It’s a game we believe we can go to Reading and give them problems. We have talked a lot this week about who is going to score the goals and step up with Ross not on the pitch for a few weeks."