Reading set for new season - Simon Church

Church has come through the Reading academy

Striker Simon Church believes Reading have developed a winning mentality as they prepare for the new season.

The 21-year-old scored twice in the Royals' last pre-season game against Southampton, helping the team win 4-2.

"We've had a great pre-season, everyone has a bunch of confidence," the Wales international told BBC Berkshire.

"We emphasise winning and that's what we've done in pre-season so that can only bode well for the first game of the season."

While Church impressed with 12 goals last season, he has not been able to hold down a regular first-team place in the Reading side as he competes with Republic of Ireland strikers Shane Long and Noel Hunt.

He said: "Obviously, it's a position that we all want to go for but it's not a team of individuals here, we all support each other and want to go in the same direction.

"You just try your hardest and try and get a goal for the team."

Church is also fighting for another position within the side, that of penalty taker.

"I'm trying my hardest. If I'm on the pitch, I'll have a little fight for it but I think Gylfi (Sigurdsson) is having none of it," he said.