Former Reading owner Sir John Madejski is 'absolutely delighted' with decision to appoint former striker Noel Hunt as interim manager.

With more than 150 appearances to his name, and over a year spent coaching the Under-21s, Hunt took over from Paul Ince last week.

Guiding the Royals to a 0-0 draw with league leaders Burnley on Saturday, four matches remain to keep the club in the Championship.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire on the appointment, Madejski said: "I’m absolutely delighted, I always used to love all the Irish boys when they came over at more or less the same time. They’ve all got enormous hearts, are well disciplined, very polite and well-mannered. Noel Hunt, god bless him, he’s earned his spurs. I wish him every conceivable luck in the world to do well at Reading because that’s what needs to happen right now."

Inside the bottom three, Reading are on course to be playing third tier football next season- the first time since 2002.

However, the former Autotrader chief believes in the side.

"It's of deep concern to everybody. Let’s hope that Noel can raise the spirit, summon up the blood and we can get some decent results in the last five games, because that’s the only way we’re going to avoid the drop. As I always am, I’m very confident about Reading and always have been. I’m a massive supporter of Reading and always will be, so as far as I’m concerned, we’ll survive. It’s going to be a nail-biting last few games."