Brian McDermott defends Reading style

Reading manager Brian McDermott has insisted that his side are more than just a long-ball team.

The Royals have collected 10 points from the past 15 on offer to move a point off safety in the Premier League, but McDermott's side have attracted criticism over their style of play.

However, the Reading boss has refuted claims that his team play an unattractive brand of football.

"I can only talk about what I see and we play football the way we have to play. We don't see ourselves as a long-ball team," Football365.com quotes McDermott as saying.

"We're out there to watch. Everyone has their opinion on how we play. We know how we try and play; we try and get it down and pass the ball. If we have to go long, we'll go long.

"When Man United play they mix it up, they go short, they go long. That's what all the best teams in the world do."

Reading face Wigan Athletic in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.