Church aims to take Royals chance

Last updated : 05 May 2011 By BBC Sport

Reading striker Simon Church is aiming to make the most of being given a start against Derby this Saturday.The 22-year-old will start with Matieu Manset up front in a changed line-up for their final game of the regular league season before the play-offs.

Church told BBC Berkshire: "It's been a long time waiting but I have to take any chance that I can.

"We're part of the play-offs and that's a massive opportunity for everybody to show what they can do."

He added: "It shows the strength and depth of the squad that the gaffer can make a lot of changes and still put out a top Championship side."

The Wales international has made 13 starts for Reading this season, scoring five goals, but says it has not been a problem being on the fringes of the first team.

"This squad is great together - with the players around us and how the gaffer treats us as men, we all support each other and there's no-one who doesn't get on with anyone," he said.

"And that's what has got us through this season, no matter who plays we support everyone."

Church made his competitive debut for the Royals in the play-offs two years ago, in the second leg defeat by Burnley, something he is hoping is put right this time.

"It wasn't the dream debut that I thought it would be but I still have some great memories of that," he admitted.

"We were so disappointed after the Burnley game - we knew how close we were to getting there and we felt like we could have done much better - now's our chance to do one better."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport