PREVIEW: PLAY-OFF QUEST CONTINUES WITH BLUEBIRDS VISIT
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“It’s a must-win game. Everyone here is aware of the situation.
“Everyone is embracing the opportunity in the best possible way.
“With five games to go, it’s not easy but it is possible. As long as the possibility is there we are going to fight.
“Our approach is to win and lay football to bring us opportunities to score.”
The Royals boss expects to have both John Swift and Omar Richards available for selection after they both completed in full training.
John Swift is in full training and will be available for selection,” he continued.
“It’s a big boost to have him back, it’s a great reinforcement for the team and the morale of everyone.
“We know how important he is for our football.
“We need to be careful with how quickly we introduce him with the demand and workload on him.
“Omar is in training and is also a resource for us on Friday.
“Omar is a very favoured personality in our changing room, his commitment is very huge and important.
“He knows very well what he has to do and we have been very pleased with him throughout the season.”
Paunović also commented on the abhorrent racist abuse that club captain Liam Moore received on social media after Friday’s defeat at Watford.
“Liam was very affected. I spoke with him after I heard what happened and he needed support in that moment.
“He is a strong guy, he is a huge leader and bounced back very quickly. He took actions that we as a club want to take and what we need is to report the case and give support to Liam and his family.
“It’s unacceptable behaviour and an unacceptable thing to ever happen. We as a club will look to provide help and look to support the cause.”
Friday’s opponents, Cardiff City, had been in the play-off picture after going on a scintillating run of form under new boss Mick McCarthy.
However, they have stuttered more recently, including a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of relegation candidates Sheffield Wednesday to put them 12 points outside of the top-six with just five games remaining.
The Bluebirds’ poor recent form has seen them win just once from their previous seven Championship matches with a memorable away victory against rivals Swansea City.