McDermott believes in Church

Reading manager Brian McDermott insists Simon Church is still an integral part of his Royals squad.

The Welsh international, who had a goal disallowed against Portsmouth at the weekend, has had limited opportunities this season - especially in his favoured position - but McDermott has backed the striker to come good.

 

"It was a great strike, a shame it didn't count, but if he keeps going, keeps working hard - the more you work the more good things happen to you," he told the club's official website.

"I said to him to just keep going, keep doing what you're doing.

"I had a conversation with him on Friday, to say he's really important around the group.

"He's a great bloke, a top bloke, an international and the goals will come."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.