Paunovic’s excited to play in combat mode

VELJKO PAUNOVIC claims his Reading side are in “combat mode” ahead of tonight’s clash with promotion rivals Bournemouth.

The Royals are on a five-game unbeaten run in the Championship, and go into the match at the Madejski two points ahead of the Cherries.

“It’s an important game because we want to remain in the top six,” said boss Paunovic, above. “Everyone is in combat mode so we will do our best.

“We are a more mature team than when we played them last time [and lost 4-2].

“We’ve regained the team spirit from the start of the season and we are very excited about the game.

“We’ve responded well to challenges so far. Everything looks good so we will be ready.”

Paunovic has declared key midfielder Michael Olise fit despite injuring his shoulder last week.

Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall will resist the temptation to start JackWilshere tonight.

Injury-hit midfielder Wilshere scored in an eye-catching first start for his new side in their FA Cup win over Crawley on Tuesday.

But Tindall said: “I think they were minutes that were much needed for Jack.

“He tired a little bit into the second half as expected – but the minutes he got were certainly a step in the right direction.”