Former Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion striker Don Goodman believes Reading has what it takes to stay in the play-off picture.

The Sky Sports pundit infamously scored Walsall's winner against the Royals in the 2001 third tier play-off final, gaining a notorious reputation among supporters.

A regular on television for the last 20 years, Goodman is one of the leading voices of the EFL.

Keeping a keen eye on proceedings in Berkshire, Reading are heading into 2025 in the same crisis they have endured from 2023, with late payments, player sales, points deductions and transfer embargoes.

However, despite all this, Noel Hunt has taken over from the popular Ruben Selles and ensured the Royals remain in the play-off picture, currently sat sixth after a run of 10 points out of 12 over the festive period.

Hunt- who played for the club in two unsuccessful play-off campaigns, is determined to keep the squad together and continue their unexpected promotion push.

"Reading are in a scrap to stay in that top six," Goodman told Plejmo.com. "There are some teams who are beginning to hit some form, so their point away at Charlton, who are trying to hunt them down, was a good one.

"I don't see any reason as to why Reading can't stay in the top six. Noel Hunt has stepped in seamlessly and the fact that it's a club he knows and loves will have helped him and helped the fans get behind him.

"He's had a brilliant start in charge. The group is good enough to keep them in the top six but the key for Reading is not to let anyone leave during the window and for them to keep their best players fit."

Reading host Championship Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday but the following week seventh place Stockport County visit sixth placed Reading looking to leapfrog the Royals into the play-offs.