Reading manager Brian McDermott believes Adam Federici and Jason Roberts are the perfect examples for his young players to follow.

If rest of his squad lead their lives in the pair's image, McDermott is confident success will follow at the Madejski Stadium.

"I've known Feds (Federici) since he first came over here. He works really, really, really hard and he practices so much. He practices every single day," McDermott said.

"He lives his life right, everything he does is about him being as good as he possibly can and he's a good role model for the other players.

"Then you've got Jason Roberts who does is exactly the same, and if you have people like that at your football club you have a real chance to succeed and to do something."

McDermott, meanwhile, believes his players deserve more praise following their recent form.

The Royals have won their last four games and sit third in the league following a win over Burnley on Friday.

"We've got such an honest bunch who have a real determination and desire about them - they dont get the credit they deserve," McDermott told the club's official website.

"Our players showed so much courage. The whole team, the way they died for the cause, it was second to none. We will always put our bodies on the line."

McDermott also praised his assistant manager Nigel Gibbs and the rest of his backroom staff for helping to fine tune the Reading squad.

"I've got a fantastic coach in Nigel Gibbs - the intensity of our training is second to none. That's why we've won so many games, a lot of credit has to go to Nigel and our fitness coach Karl Halabi," he added.