threat to

strikers

STEVE Coppell has challenged his goal-shy strikers to show their worth and get Reading's promotion push back on track at Burnley tomorrow.

The Royals' boss is clearly losing patience with his lacklustre forwards, who are struggling to fill the void left by injured top scorer Dave Kitson.

In the last seven matches, only Lloyd Owusu, five games ago, has managed to bag a goal from all the strikers available.

Since then Royals have not won in four attempts and have managed a measly one goal in 360 minutes of action.

Coppell, who this week signed Les Ferdinand, said: "What I want and need is to get back to scoring goals.

"I want someone to grab hold of these last 18 games and do the business, not just talk about it.

"Last season Crystal Palace came through as they had Andy Johnson who scored 20 goals

"He never showed that kind of pedigree until then, but my strikers are not showing me a great deal at the moment and scoring goals will be the vital factor in the remaining games."

Coppell added: "Burnley will be difficult opposition and we can take some comfort from the fact Robbie Blake won't be playing."