Shorey up for Boro battle

Royals star issues rallying call

Last updated: 26th February 2008

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Shorey: Up for the battle

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Reading defender Nicky Shorey admits this weekend's clash with Middlesbrough could make or break the club's season.

The Royals have slumped down the table after a disastrous run of form which has seen them lose their last eight Premier League games.

Reading make the trip to Teesside in desperate need of a positive result and Shorey believes it could be a defining fixture for his side.

"There's no doubting that Saturday is a big game, and we said in the dressing room after [Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Aston] Villa that is could define our season," Shorey told the club's official website.

Home truths

"We'll make sure we are ready, and if ever we've needed home truths it was after Bolton and Villa.

"We've come a long way together. I've played for this team a long time. I wouldn't want anyone else in the trenches with me, they are top lads and we can come through I am sure."

Shorey's team-mate Graeme Murty admits Royals boss Steve Coppell would be justified in making wholesale changes to the side.

Coppell hinted after Sunday's defeat to Villa that he might wield the axe at the Madejski Stadium and Murty says the players could have no complaints if he did.

Murty told the club's official website: "I don't think we could blame the manager if he made changes, no.

"He has carte blanche to do what he wants, he is the manager and he's always had that right.

Changes

"If he was to make changes, then everyone who comes in would give their all, and those who go out would be 100 per cent behind them. That's the kind of people we have here.

"The manager has shown faith in us, we've tried to repay that but it's not going our way.

"I'm sure people will be knocking on his door, and rightly so. It's up to him to change things, and if he feels the need then he will do just that."

Meanwhile, Reading goalkeeper Mikkel Anderson has joined Torquay United on loan.

The Danish custodian has signed a one-month loan deal with the Conference side.