ALI Al Habsi insists he is committed to helping Reading FC return to the Premier League amid speculation he could be on the move in January, writes Emer Scully.

The Oman goalkeeper has just six months left on his contract at the Madejski Stadium, and was recently linked with a move to a top-flight club during the January transfer window.

Al Habsi, 34, has already put in a string of top quality performances between the sticks for the Royals this season, and the reigning supporters’ Player Of The Year insists he remains fully focused on securing Premier League status with Jaap Stam’s sides.

“For me the most important thing is to concentrate on this football club,” asserted Al Habsi.

“They have given me everything, and I will give them everything.

“I have to focus and perform well because with football you never know. As a club, the fans and the players want to get back to the Premier League.”

Al Habsi’s superb form for Reading has led to strong interest from a number of Premier League clubs looking to strengthen in the January transfer window.

But the ex-Wigan stopper stressed: “I don’t have to listen to what is around me and the most important thing is to get my job right in this club.

“I have six months left on my contract but I will enjoy it, I’m doing my job right and this is what they want. I want to get my team back to the Premier League.”

Al Habsi has remained a firm favourite among the Royals fans this season and has asserted himself as Jaap Stam’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Stam added competition in the summer after landing Anssi Jaakola, but the Finnish shot-stopper is currently injured and has found himself limited to cup appearances, while Jonathan Bond was loaned to Gillingham.

Al Habsi will line up for Reading again this Saturday when Stam’s in-form men return from the international break with a home fixture against Burton Albion (3pm ko).

Royals will be searching for a fourth successive win and clean sheet in the Championship and could move up to third in the table if other results go their way.

“Burton started really well, scoring many goals and they have good players who are really enjoying themselves,” declared Al Habsi, who spent Thursday afternoon handing out sweets, flowers and scarves in Reading town centre to promote Oman Day.

“It will be a difficult game, we have to work really hard for that.

“The staff, and the players know what we’re going to get and we’re ready for that because as a team we’re playing a new system, and we have to be different.

“When you play with a new team for the first time it’s always hard but like any team we play we’ll put in 100 per cent and focus on getting the three points we need.”

Stam has some tough decisions to make in terms of selection with midfield playmaker John Swift sidelined for a number of weeks with ankle ligament damage.