Royals boss Mark Bowen has called on his side to maintain their performance level when they travel to Birmingham City on Saturday. 

The manager was speaking after Tuesday night's heartbreaking FA Cup exit at the hands of Sheffield United, who secured their passage through to the quarter finals courtesy of an extra time goal from former Royals forward Billy Sharp.

Bowen admitted he was very impressed by the way his side matched the Premier League outfit for long spells - but called on his side to produce similar performances week in, week out.

"We have got to set ourselves goals. It's all well and good getting pats on the back for individual performances, but as a group we have got to make sure we are more consistent in order to get results.

"We can't let this season meander on as if nothing matters because it certainly does. 

"Saturday away at Birmingham is as important as the Sheffield United game and we have to make sure recover well and we are physically and mentally ready."

In December, Reading fell to a 3-2 home defeat against Saturday's opponents - but Birmingham City manager Pep Clotet is wary of the threat that Reading will pose.

Clotet told the local media at his pre-match press conference: "Reading have experience, they have quality in the middle and dangerous options up top, they have speed and talent, it will be a tough game.

"We need to maintain our mentality and make sure we take the game to them and put a lot of stress on their defence."