Reading boss Brian McDermott is full of admiration for opponents Aston Villa.

McDermott insists although Paul Lambert's Villa are languishing just one place and a point ahead of his promoted side, they are a squad more than capable of getting themselves out of trouble.

He said: "Clubs go in cycles. I remember in the 1980s when they were European champions and had fantastic players.

"They are a massive club. They have a young side now that work hard and have plenty of pace.

"They have a good spirit about them."