Reading star Tom Ince reaffirmed that the squad's ambition remains to stay in the division and 'prove people wrong', despite the team currently sitting third in the Championship.

Signing a three-year contract over the summer, Ince has contributed crucial goals against Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic as the Royals have been dubbed the 'surprise package' of the season so far.

Enduring a turbulent few years in Berkshire, former England and Manchester United legend Paul Ince has had to cope with a nine point deduction and a transfer embargo due to past financial mismanagement.

With many on the outside questioning whether the Royals should aim higher than safety, the midfielder insists his team's feet are firmly on the ground and keep the club in the Championship.

Speaking to the club, he said: "We’ve always had one aim and it’s great when you’re winning games, but I think sometimes people outside the club get a little carried away.

Reading Chronicle:

“We want to try and win as many games as we can for the fans, but our first aim is get to 45 points."

With the World Cup on the horizon, Championship clubs face a mammoth 11 matches in October.

Despite the heavy workload, Ince believes the team's mentality will help carry them over the line.

"The mentality of this group is massive and that is the most important thing in this team, to desire to prove people wrong.

"But this is just the first phase and we’ve got plenty more games to go.”