PAUL Clement admits Reading FC need a much-improved performance to stand any chance of returning from West Brom with a positive result.

Royals face Darren Moore’s Baggies at the Hawthorns tomorrow before a fortnight’s international break (3pm ko).

Clement’s men are unbeaten in four away Championship matches including a win at Preston and 2-2 draw at Brentford last weekend.

But his side put in a below-par display when losing 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers QPR on Tuesday night.

That defeat – their fifth in six matches at MadejskI Stadium – leaves Reading 20th in the table and only two points above the drop zone.

Baggies, meanwhile, are one point off the top and will start tomorrow’s clash as firm favourites.

And Clement stressed: “There’s no need for a motivational talk with this one, players must have full concentration.

“West Brom are going very well, they score a lot of goals and, for me, they’re a Premier League-quality team.

“It’s a big test for us and we will have to play much better than we did on Tuesday if we are to get anything there.”

Reading Chronicle:

Sam Walker makes a save for Reading in the 1-0 defeat to QPR.

Clement also had a pop at his defence for the manner in which they conceded against QPR on Tuesday night.

Royals switch off at corner which was flicked on before a frantic goalmouth scramble ended with Toni Leistner firing home.

It proved to be the winning goal and Clement admitted defending set-pieces so poorly is simply unacceptable.

“Until Brentford last weekend, we hadn’t conceded from a corner under me.

“We conceded that one on 92 minutes which cost us the win.

“At least we got someone close to the first ball in that game because on Tuesday there was nobody within five yards of the QPR player who flicked it on.

“Whether it’s a question of concentration or fatigue, we have to defend that better because it’s cost us the game.”

Reading Chronicle:

Toni Leistner scores QPR's winning goal on Tuesday night.

He added: “QPR weren’t in great form themselves, but when they got the goal they had something to fight for. Overall our performance wasn’t very good.”

Royals go to West Brom with a depleted squad and lack of strikers with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Sam Baldock both likely to miss out with calf problems and Paul McShane, Dave Edwards, David Meyler, Jordab Obita Adrian Popa and Omar Richards already ruled out.

However, fit-again Garath McCleary and Callum Harriott are pushing for recalls following their slow recoveries from long-term injuries.