Haydon Roberts believes Reading have “all the ingredients” required to win promotion this season after the Royals bounced back with another victory and clean sheet.
The defender was encouraged by the strength and depth available to Reading and suggested that even players struggling to make the matchday squad would be capable of starting regularly elsewhere in the division.
Roberts, who is enjoying his first full campaign with the Royals, is excited by what the team could achieve but stressed that consistency will be crucial if they are to fulfil their ambitions.
“Like I said at the back end of last year, really excited,” said Roberts.
“You look at our squad, you look at our bench, you look at the lads that aren't in the squad.
“The lads that don't get in the squad here, they get in starting XIs in other teams in the league. So that's how much quality we have.
“And I think, without getting carried away, we have all the ingredients for promotion. It's just being consistent.”
Reading's response was particularly pleasing for Roberts following the disappointment of their 2-1 defeat in their previous outing.
The defender felt the Royals took some time to get going but believes the attacking quality within the side means opportunities will invariably arrive.
“Really happy after last week, the disappointment, the 2-1 loss, so we had to bounce back,” he said.
“I think everyone played well today. I think we started slow, but the quality we have in our team, we're always going to make big chances and then, obviously, Jack's got to score them. He doesn't miss many.
“So, yeah, all round a good day.”
Roberts made an impact at the opposite end of the pitch too, providing an assist with an early cross.
It was a particularly satisfying contribution for the full-back, who has been working on adding more attacking output to his game.
“It's something I practise every day,” Roberts explained.
“I practise getting in attacking positions. I think this season, I probably haven't found myself in too many positions where I can get an assist.
“But today there was an opening and I'm glad it came off.”
Roberts also revealed he had been playing through some discomfort after featuring in midweek, with Paddy Lane's work ahead of him helping to ease the burden.
Lane has also been used at left-back recently, but Roberts joked that the versatile wideman did not need any advice from him.
“No, no. Paddy's a good player,” he said. “Good players can play anywhere.
“Even today, Paddy playing in front of me, he's helping me.
“Obviously, I played Tuesday, I was a bit leggy. If I'm being honest, I was playing through a bit of pain.
“Paddy's a really honest lad, great player, and he's helping me out.”
Another relationship Roberts has enjoyed has been with Andy Rinomhota, with the pair developing a friendship away from football as well as an understanding on the pitch.
Roberts was full of praise for Rinomhota's quality and experience and believes Reading are fortunate to have him.
“Andy's a really good mate of mine off the pitch,” he said.
“But on the pitch, he's a really good teammate to have. He's a really good player.
“He's played at a very good level throughout his career. You can see that by the way he plays.
“We're lucky to have a player like him on our team.”
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