New signing Andre Bikey has his sights set on helping Reading qualify for Europe.
New signing Andre Bikey has his sights set on helping Reading qualify for Europe.The defender became a permanent fixture at The Madejski Stadium after penning a three-year deal in excess of £1million from Lokomotiv Moscow.
The 22-year-old, who has made 20 appearances for the club already, is keen for Reading to keep their current league status of seventh, even though manager Steve Coppell keeps reiterating that he would rather not qualify for the Uefa Cup.
"For me, I would love to play in Europe next season. If we can get there it would be good for everybody - even the gaffer," the Cameroon international said.
"If he doesn't want to play in Europe he can say 'my team won't play there', but I think he wants to.
"It would be great to do it as this is already a fantastic season and if we get into Europe everyone will respect Reading even more."
Bikey is under no illusions that The Royals' second season in the top flight will be any easier but he is confident of long-term success for his side.
"I'm sure we can stay in the Premiership and not only for next year but for three or four," he continued.
"I haven't signed here for three years to play in the Championship. I signed here because I see Reading getting even better as a team.
"West Ham did well last year and now might go down, but we have a good mentality here and everyone knows the second season won't be so easy.
"Every player here wants to stay in the Premiership and it is the perfect challenge for all of us. We know it will be difficult and to stay in the Premiership you need to work hard."
