READING FC boss Paul Clement is determined to get the best out of Sone Aluko and John Swift this season.

Aluko, who became Royals’ most expensive transfer of all time last year, experienced a lacklustre campaign under Jaap Stam and Clement.

He was often slammed by supporters for his performances as he struggled to settle into life at Madejski Stadium.

The fleet-footed forward was almost ever-present last season but he was unable to recapture the form he showed for Fulham FC the previous year.

But manager Clement believes Aluko will turn things around this year.

“He’s a human being,” assessed the 46-year-old.

“Players can be affected by confidence. I’ve been pleased with the work he has put in.

“He’s worked hard and he’s in good shape. That helps with the mental side because he’ll go onto the pitch knowing he’s prepared.

“I look forward to him having a good season.”

Meanwhile, John Swift was one of the standout performers in his debut season at Madejski Stadium after leaving Premier League giants Chelsea FC in 2016.

The midfield playmaker got off to a dream start with a debut goal against Preston and went from strength to strength thereonin.

However, a series of niggling hamstring problems hampered his progress last year and Swift found himself spending more and more time on the treatment table.

And Clement hopes Swift has put the worst of his problems behind him and fulfills his potential this year.

He added: “John has worked really hard in pre-season. If you look at his statistics he’s right up there with the highest in the group in terms of the distance he’s covered. He really puts a shift in.

“We’re working hard with him on finding the right positions on the pitch for him to use that quality he has and turn that ability into an effective footballer.

“When you play in that advanced position then of course he has to do his defensive work but you want to see him creating and scoring goals which he certainly has the ability to do.”