Reading striker Sam Smith has admitted that players are worried for their futures at the club as January approaches.

The 25-year-old netted in yesterday's 4-1 win over Northampton Town, a first victory under Noel Hunt and one which lifts the club back into the play-off's.

However, there is little optimism around RG2 despite their lofty positioning due to the upcoming transfer window, with fears internally and externally of sales.

Last year, players were sold for cut-price fees and without the prior knowledge of manager Ruben Selles, which lead to fan uproar and unrest.

Speaking following his goal and win over the Cobblers on Boxing Day, Smith touched on the impact of Selles' departure to Hull City this month and the impact of the ongoing ownership crisis.

"We spent 18 months learning a system that we got very good at. We went through everything with him, so he was the leader of the group. When he leaves, it is a blow to everyone, but I can’t blame him.

"As a forward and him being a forward, it is something I can learn from and try to improve my game. Hunty wants to play attacking football, which is good for me, so I will try to learn off him and get advice where I can."

On Dai Yongge, Smith added: "Everyone is just fed up with it. It is a constant kick in the teeth. We’re trying to build but we’re constantly knocked back. There’s not much we can do about that apart from performing on the pitch and trying to get results."

The likes of Nelson Abbey, Tom McIntyre and Caylan Vickers left last January, as well as Tom Holmes and Taylan Harris, after making impacts in the season.

"I honestly have no idea [on his future] because we’ve seen in the past with some players that the decision has bene taken out of their hands. As a player, it’s difficult and you don’t know what’s around the corner.

"There are players that are settled here and want to build but you’re constantly kicked back. God knows what is going to happen but hopefully we can keep as many as we can and see what happens."