BACUNA: WE HAVE TO PUT IN HARD WORK

LEANDRO Bacuna has urged Reading to “put the graft in” under caretaker boss Scott Marshall.

Paul Clement was sacked by the Royals in early December after a string of poor results after less than nine months at the helm, with Marshall stepping into his shoes on a caretaker basis from Reading’s U23s side.

Bacuna knows a much-needed win is the first step on the path to reigniting the season and is taking the positives ahead of the busy festive period.

“Scott has been on the front foot,” said the 27-year-old Curacao international midfielder.

“He’s been telling us to get out there and enjoy our football, and do the things that we’re good at.

“He has given some positivity to the group. We have to stick together, we have to put the graft in. That’s the main thing.”

Reading have also announced that midfielder Adrian Popa has joined Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old Romanian winger joined Reading from Steaua Bucharest in January 2017 and, after limited appearances, spent half of last season on loan at Saudi Arabian side Al-Taawon.

He has made only one appearance for Reading this season – he came on as a substitute in the 85th minute of the home defeat against Bolton in August.

Reading said in a statement: “Everyone would like to wish Adi the very best of luck.”